Good Cause Protections: Can my landlord end my lease?
What are Good Cause eviction protections in Philadelphia?
For leases less than one year, such as a month-to-month lease, your landlord must give you thirty (30) days written notice stating a Good Cause reason to end your lease.
For leases of one year or more, your landlord must give at least (10) days written notice and is not required to state a Good Cause reason to end your lease.
For subsidized housing leases, it is likely that you have Good Cause protections. Find your subsidy program to learn more.
What are some examples of Good Cause?
Breach a lease term such as repeatedly late on rent;
Cause damage to the unit or refuse access for repairs;
Refuse to sign a new written lease with changes including a reasonable rent increase with some exceptions;
The owner or owner’s immediate family wants to move into the unit;
The owner is renovating the unit with some exceptions.
What if my landlord ends my lease without Good Cause?
Challenge it. If your landlord sends you a Lease Termination Notice or a Notice to Quit without a Good Cause reason and your lease term is currently less than one year, you have the right to file a compliant with the Fair Housing Commission. You must file within fifteen (15) business days of getting the lease termination notice from your landlord.
Defend yourself. If your landlord files an eviction in Municipal Court before you are able to file a complaint with the Fair Housing Commission, then you must attend your court hearing and raise Good Cause as a defense.
Get legal help. If your landlord files an eviction in Municipal Court and you have low income, you may be eligible for free legal help.
Call City Council. While the law doesn’t apply to leases that are a year or longer, you can ask your Councilmember to pass a bill that would extend Good Cause protections to all leases. Look up your city council member.