In Pennsylvania, in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.
Who Can Serve Eviction Notices in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, landlords can serve eviction notices and lease termination notices themselves. Landlords may choose to hire a sheriff, process server or independent party over eighteen (18) years old to serve an official notice, but they are not required to do so by law.
When Can Eviction Notices Be Served in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, lease termination and eviction notices can be served immediately on any day of the week and at any time of day.
For a 10 Day Notice to Quit for nonpayment of rent, the eviction notice for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a landlord can serve notice the day after rent is due. There is no legal grace period for paying rent in Pennsylvania, rent is late starting the day after it’s due.
Acceptable Forms of Service in Pennsylvania
A landlord can deliver notices in Pennsylvania using any of the below acceptable methods:
- Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
- Posting the notice to a conspicuous place on the premises;
- Leaving the notice at the principal building on the premises.
Obtaining Proof of Service in Pennsylvania
Landlords can show proof that the notice was delivered through the following methods:
- Hand Delivery – by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery.
- Posting/Leaving at the Premises – by taking a photograph and completing a Declaration of Service.
Pennsylvania Eviction & Lease Termination Notice Forms
| Notice Form | Grounds |
| 10 Day Notice to Quit | Eviction for Unpaid Rent |
| 15 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate | Eviction for Lease Violation
Periodic / Tenancy of < 1 Year |
| 30 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate | Eviction for Lease Violation
Tenancy of 1 + Years |
| 10 Day Notice to Vacate | Eviction for Illegal Drug Activity |
| 15 Day Notice to Vacate | Ending a Periodic Tenancy
Ending a Tenancy of < 1 Year |
| 30 Day Notice to Vacate | Ending a Tenancy of 1 + Years |
Sources
- 1 68 PA Stat § 501(f)
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The notice provided for in this section may be served personally on the tenant, or by leaving the same at the principal building upon the premises, or by posting the same conspicuously on the leased premises.
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