Do this today
- Write the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told in advance.
- Keep texts, emails, or posted notes about entry.
- If you felt unsafe, that is a safety issue as well as a tenancy issue — 911 if someone is in danger.
- Do not change locks without confirming Pennsylvania rules and the lease.
What usually depends on the reason?
Emergencies, agreed-upon repairs, and showings to buyers or new tenants are often treated differently in Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. A national “24 hours” line is a rumor, not a rule we will print. The hour-count, if Pennsylvania has one, is in the chapter.
What if it keeps happening?
Repeated unannounced entry is worth a dated log. Whether Pennsylvania treats that as a breach, a privacy violation, or something a court can stop is a legal-aid question. The log is what you take them.
Does Philadelphia add extra rules?
Yes — Licenses and Inspections, the Fair Housing Commission, and local just-cause rules for many tenancies. Coverage is a unit question. A Pittsburgh process is the wrong city.
The Pennsylvania chapter
Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. §§ 250.101 to 250.602) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Pennsylvania state law is the floor. Cities may add rent boards, just-cause rules, or extra protected classes. Confirm locally.
Official sources
Common questions
Can my landlord in Pennsylvania enter without notice?
Sometimes, for emergencies. For other reasons, Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 usually requires notice of some kind. We do not print an hour-count. Write down what happened and confirm the chapter.
Can I refuse entry in Pennsylvania?
It depends on the reason, the notice, and the lease. Refusing a lawful entry can become a lease issue. Ask legal aid before you change locks or bar a posted repair visit.
Does Philadelphia add extra rules?
Yes — Licenses and Inspections, the Fair Housing Commission, and local just-cause rules for many tenancies. Coverage is a unit question. A Pittsburgh process is the wrong city.
The national landlord entry guide has the full sequence. Open the landlord entry guide
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Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org