So You Wanna Evict a Tenant in Philly? Buckle Up, It's Not a Speed Date
Let's face it, evicting a tenant is about as fun as getting a root canal (hopefully you've never had either). But if you're a landlord in the City of Brotherly Love and things have gone south with your tenant, then knowing the eviction timeline is crucial. Here's the thing: it ain't exactly speedy. Get ready for a journey that could take anywhere from 2 to 4 months, depending on how cooperative your tenant is feeling.
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| How Long Does Eviction Take In Philadelphia |
The Eviction Expedition: A (Slightly Exaggerated) Breakdown
- Notice to Vacate: Pack Your Patience - This is where you politely (or maybe not so politely) inform your tenant they gotta hit the road. The amount of notice you gotta give depends on the situation:
- 30 Days for leases under a year (or month-to-month)
- 90 Days for leases of a year or more
- Landlord-Tenant Court: Prepare for Papercuts - Time to lawyer up (or at least dust off your paralegal skills). You gotta file a complaint with the court and wait for a hearing date. This can take 10+ business days.
- The Hearing: May the Judge Have Mercy - Here's your chance to plead your case. The judge will then issue a judgement within 5 business days.
- Order of Possession: The Sheriff Says Hi (Eventually) - If the judge rules in your favor, you'll get an Order of Possession. This fancy document basically tells the sheriff it's eviction time. But hold on to your eviction notice eviction notice, there's a 15 day waiting period after the judgement is entered before the sheriff can knock on the door.
- Moving Day: The Grand Finale (Maybe) - The tenant has at least 15 days from the Order of Possession to vacate after the sheriff gives them a friendly nudge. This is where things can get interesting. If your tenant decides to dig their heels in, you might be looking at an appeal process that could take months.
The important takeaway? Eviction is a marathon, not a sprint. So grab a metaphorical cup of tea (or something stronger) and settle in for the long haul.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Frequently Asked Eviction Questions (for Philly Landlords Only)
How to serve a Notice to Vacate? There are specific rules for serving a Notice to Vacate. It's best to consult a lawyer or refer to Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections [invalid URL removed].
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
How to know if I can evict my tenant? Not all lease violations warrant eviction. Check your lease agreement and refer to Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
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How to avoid eviction court altogether? Communication is key! Try working things out with your tenant before resorting to eviction. There might be a solution that works for both of you.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
How to find legal help with eviction? The Philadelphia Bar Association offers a referral service for lawyers specializing in landlord-tenant law.
How to stay sane during an eviction? Deep breaths and a good support system are your best friends. Remember, even evictions eventually end.
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