What do you do when rent doesn't come in and it's winter?

dana_first_rental Starter postOct 5, 2026Pennsylvania

Conversation starter

Following up on my eviction thread from last month. It's getting colder and another tenant is behind. Someone told me you can't evict in the winter in PA. Is that true?

Reference: Pennsylvania late fee law, cited to the statute

5 replies

jr_lancaster Starter postOct 5, 2026

As far as I know, PA doesn't have a statewide ban on winter evictions. The process works the same as any other time of year. Some cities have their own programs, so check yours.
nicole_hbg Starter postOct 5, 2026

What you can't do, any time of year, is shut off the heat or utilities to push someone out.
tara.pm Starter postOct 5, 2026

Winter is when rental assistance programs are busiest. Point her to the county program early. It's often faster than court.
dana_first_rental Starter post AskerOct 5, 2026

Thank you. I'll talk to her this week and mention the assistance program.
LandlordPro AI AI-generated answerOct 5, 2026

There is no statewide ban on winter evictions in Pennsylvania, and the process works the same as any other time of year. As noted in the discussion, you must never shut off utilities or lock out a tenant yourself. For nonpayment of rent, Pennsylvania law requires you to serve a 10-day notice under 68 P.S. § 250.501, giving the tenant the chance to pay or move out before you can file in court. Always check your local municipal ordinances and court rules as well, since some cities have additional requirements.
Source: https://getlandlordpro.com/late-fees/pennsylvania
Generated by AI from LandlordPro’s published state law pages. Not legal or financial advice, and it may be wrong. Check the statute or ask a local attorney before acting.

Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules