by Karen UlmerIn Pennsylvania, once a landlord/tenant eviction hearing is decided by a Magisterial District Justice (or by a Municipal Court Judge in Philadelphia), either party has the right to appeal if they disagree with the decision. If a tenant appeals a determination of possession, there is a 10 day appeal deadline. In other words, the tenant […]
Divorce and Deferred CompensationApril 29, 2026 - 12:41 pm
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Notice to Quit
In Pennsylvania, before an eviction may be filed, the landlord must serve the tenant(s) with a Notice to Quit. The Notice to Quit must explain why the tenant is being evicted: Nonpayment of Rent, Termination of the term (i.e. the 12-month lease is over and the lease was not renewed), or Breach of a term […]
Real estate ownership
In Pennsylvania, there are several ways that real property (i.e. houses) may be titled. When two or more people own property together, they should be aware of the manner in which the property is owned: Tenants in Common – When property is owned as tenants in common, each owner owns a certain percentage of the […]
Security Deposit
Before you rent an apartment or other dwelling, a landlord usually requires a security deposit. This deposit is held by the landlord in case you damage the residence during your tenancy. The security deposit may not exceed two-months rent during the first year. During the second year, the security deposit may not exceed one-month rent. […]
Landlord Tenant appeals
In Pennsylvania, once a landlord/tenant eviction hearing is decided by a Magisterial District Justice (or by a Municipal Court Judge in Philadelphia), either party has the right to appeal if they disagree with the decision. If a tenant appeals a determination of possession, there is a 10 day appeal deadline. In other words, the tenant […]
Grounds for eviction
For a tenant to be evicted, the landlord may proceed on one or more of the following grounds: 1) Nonpayment of Rent. For example, the tenant has failed to pay the current or prior months’ rent, and the rent is past due. Also, the tenant has failed to pay late fees. 2) Termination of the […]
Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951
Landlord/Tenant matters are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. A copy of the act may be found at http://www.parealtor.org/clientuploads/Legal/Statutes/Landlord-TenantAct.pdf . In most counties in Pennsylvania, evictions are heard before the local Magisterial District Judge where the residence is located. The court will be scheduled between 5 and 15 days from the date […]
What to expect at a hearing
Once a landlord tenant complaint is filed in the local courthouse, a hearing date will be set. The hearing will be scheduled no later than 15 days from filing. The local sheriff or constable will then serve the tenant with the complaint and hearing notice, either personally or by posting them conspicuously on the property. […]
Why a Power of Attorney is as Important as a Will
Oftentimes people are very concerned about making sure that they have a will but do not think about a power of attorney. While it is an important part of an estate planning process, and is critical if you have specific goals and desires on how you would life your life’s savings distributed upon your death, […]
What happens to the ring when the wedding is called off
Sometimes an engagement does not always result in a happy ending. If the couple, for any reason, does not get married, what happens to the ring? Oftentimes, a woman who has been dreaming of getting married feels justified keeping the diamond engagement ring that was given to her. These feelings are especially strong when she […]
Self-love on Valentine’s Day
Self-Love is important. For those who are separated or divorced, remember that loving yourself is a way you can make Valentine’s special for yourself. Enjoy a day at the spa, read a good book, spend time relaxing in a bathtub or doing something you enjoy. Maybe go see a new movie and celebrate with friends […]