No self-help eviction (court required)

Your landlord cannot throw you out by force. Only a court can order you to leave your home. This is true even if you owe rent.

You do not have to move out just because rent is late. In most states, your landlord must first win a court case, called an eviction. Only law enforcement can carry out the court's move-out order.

Your landlord cannot remove you from your home on their own. In most states, they must win an eviction case in court first. Only a law enforcement officer can carry out the court's order.

Your landlord cannot force you out on their own. They must first win an eviction lawsuit in Justice Court.

If you cannot catch up to your rent, the landlord can file an eviction case. You still get a court hearing, usually 10 to 21 days after filing. If you lose, you have 5 days to appeal.

Even if you receive a notice to quit for nonpayment, an eviction cannot proceed without a court judgment in a Summary Process case. You have the right to appear in court, present defenses, and request a payment agreement with the judge.

Your landlord must not try to take back your home by force. They have to go to court. Your landlord can enter if they have a court order allowing it.

Your landlord must get a court's permission before they can make you leave. Changing the locks or trying to retake the unit without a court order is illegal, and a landlord who does it can owe you actual damages or three months' rent (whichever is greater) plus your attorney's fees and costs.

If the 3 days pass, only a court can evict you. The landlord must file a lawsuit and win before anyone can make you leave.

Only a court can evict you in Philadelphia. Lockouts, shutting off utilities, and threats to force you out are illegal self-help evictions under city law. If you are locked out, call 911 and ask for a police supervisor. Show proof you live there, like your lease, an ID, or a bill.

Your landlord cannot take or sell your belongings. Only a sheriff or constable with a court order can do that, after a hearing you can attend. Call the police if your landlord takes your things.