Property Management
A Pennsylvania landlord wishes to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent. What is the first step in the legal eviction process?
AImmediately changing the locks and removing the tenant's belongings from the unit
BFiling an eviction complaint directly with the local Court of Common Pleas
CServing the tenant with proper written notice to pay the overdue rent or vacate the premises✓ Correct
DReporting the non-paying tenant to all three national credit bureaus
Explanation
Pennsylvania's legal eviction process for non-payment of rent begins with serving the tenant a written Notice to Quit, specifying the amount owed and the timeframe to pay or vacate (typically 10 days for non-payment). If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a complaint with the local Magisterial District Judge. Self-help evictions — changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — are strictly illegal in Pennsylvania and expose landlords to significant civil liability.
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