Landlord Entry and Privacy in Philadelphia
Your rented home is still your home. This playbook covers entry, your privacy, and what to do when a landlord crosses the line.
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Every Pennsylvania lease includes a promise that your landlord will not unreasonably disturb your use of your home. Lawyers call this the warrant of habitability. It applies even if your lease is only spoken.
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Your landlord cannot enter your home at any time for any reason. Entry is allowed only for fair purposes, like inspecting for repairs, making repairs, or showing the home to buyers or renters. The landlord should tell you in advance, come at a reasonable time, and knock first. In a real emergency, the landlord can enter without notice.
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Do not always refuse entry to a landlord. Under Philadelphia's good cause rules, refusing entry after written notice gives the landlord a legal reason to end a short lease.
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Your landlord also cannot shut off your utilities or use force or threats to push you out.
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In Philadelphia, your landlord cannot change, remove, or plug your locks to force you out. City law treats this as an illegal self-help eviction as per Phila. Code Ch. 9-1600.
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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.
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Report entry abuse, lockouts, or punishment to the Fair Housing Commission. It takes walk-ins Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 601 Walnut St or can be reached at (215) 686-4670 or FairHousingComm@phila.gov.
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