Landlord Entering Without Notice in Philadelphia: What Are My Rights?
Your rented home is still your home, even in Philadelphia. This page covers Pennsylvania's entry rules, what Philadelphia's ordinance adds, and what to do if your landlord crosses the line.
-
Under Pennsylvania law, every lease includes the right of quiet enjoyment. You can use and enjoy your home without unreasonable interference from your landlord. In return, you must give your landlord reasonable access for maintenance or repairs, or to show the home to a future renter.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
Your landlord cannot enter your home at any time for any reason. Entry is allowed only for reasonable purposes: inspecting for repairs, making repairs, or showing the home to a future buyer or renter. Except in an emergency, your landlord should come at a reasonable time, give you notice first, and knock before entering.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
A lease is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. Make sure you understand all the lease terms before you sign. Read your lease for when your landlord may enter and how much notice, if any, they promise. Keep a copy of your lease.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
In a true emergency, like a fire or a burst pipe, your landlord does not need to give notice before entering. Philadelphia's law lists an emergency as one of the legal reasons to enter. Check your lease for its own emergency rule too.
Neighborhood Legal Services Does your landlord have the right to enter your home at any time and for any reason? City of Philadelphia — Philadelphia Code Phila. Code § 9-804(12)(a)(.5)✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
-
When a Philadelphia lease of less than 1 year ends, your landlord needs good cause to end or not renew it. Good cause is a reason the law allows. The landlord must also give proper notice. One good cause is refusing your landlord access for lawful purposes after written notice to stop refusing. Lawful purposes include repairs, checking what repairs are needed, inspecting for damage, showing the home to insurance or mortgage companies, or an emergency.
City of Philadelphia — Fair Housing Commission Unfair rental practices — Unlawful lease termination City of Philadelphia — Philadelphia Code Phila. Code § 9-804(12)(a)✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
-
Your landlord generally cannot control who visits you. If a visitor causes damage to the property, uses drugs there, or bothers other tenants, your landlord may have grounds to evict you. If a visitor moves in with you, your landlord may raise your rent or ask you to move out.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
If your landlord does something wrong that interferes with your use of your home, you must tell your landlord. Then give your landlord a reasonable chance to fix the problem. Put your notice in writing so you have a record. Keep copies of your messages to your landlord and their replies.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
Your landlord may wrongly interfere with your use and possession of the home. Tell your landlord and give a reasonable chance to fix it. Suppose you still cannot use the home after a reasonable time, and you then actually move out. That is constructive eviction: the law treats it as if your landlord forced you out. You may have legal options, so get legal advice first. Using one wrongly could lead to eviction if a court finds you broke the lease. If a court disagrees, you can still owe the rent.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
Your landlord cannot change your locks, cut off your utilities (such as water, electric, and gas), or use force or threats to make you leave. These are self-help eviction practices, and Philadelphia bans them under any circumstances. A lawful eviction needs a court judgment (the court's final decision in your case) giving your landlord possession. See our Philadelphia eviction guide for how to get help.
RenterLaw editorial City of Philadelphia — Fair Housing Commission Unfair rental practices — Unlawful eviction City of Philadelphia — Philadelphia Code Phila. Code § 9-1603(1)✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
-
Calling the police is your choice. If you are locked out and the police can’t reach your landlord, the city says you can hire a locksmith (a lock professional). This person can change your locks. Keep the receipt. The city says to take the cost off your rent. If a court later disagrees, you can owe the rent and face eviction. Get legal help first. If you still cannot get back in, call Community Legal Services at (215) 981-3700 or the Tenant Union Representative Network at (215) 940-3900.
RenterLaw editorial City of Philadelphia — Fair Housing Commission Unfair rental practices — Illegally locking out a tenant✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
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. If this happens, you can choose to contact the police. You can also write down what was taken, take photos, and call legal aid.
RenterLaw editorial Neighborhood Legal Services Does your landlord have the right to take your belongings, sell them, or give them to someone else?✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
Chapter 9-804 of the Philadelphia Code describes unfair rental practices by landlords. If you believe you have experienced one, you can file a complaint with the Fair Housing Commission. The Commission accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 601 Walnut St., Suite 300 South. You can also call (215) 686-4670 or email FairHousingComm@phila.gov.
City of Philadelphia — Fair Housing Commission Unfair rental practices City of Philadelphia — Fair Housing Commission Fair Housing Commission homepage✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Tell us.