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.