Will My Landlord Evict Me If a PFA is Filed Against Me in Pennsylvania?
Having a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order filed against you can affect your life in countless ways, from dampening employment prospects to potentially losing custody of your children. And yes, it can even affect your housing situation–possibly even giving the landlord the right to evict you. However, the situation differs for everyone and will depend on specific factors such as the terms of your lease, the nature of the allegations, and whether the alleged victim lives with you.
If you are dealing with the fallout from a PFA order, the Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help. We have helped numerous families with domestic violence issues, and want to help you, too. Call our experienced legal team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
What Is a PFA?
A PFA order is a Pennsylvania civil court order that protects an individual, no matter their gender, accused of domestic violence, harassment, or threats. If you’ve had a PFA filed against you, the order can impose a number of demands on you, including prohibiting you from contacting or coming near the alleged victim, and, in some cases, requiring you to leave the family home immediately. In such cases, you’re not being “evicted” by your landlord, but rather being ordered by the court to vacate under the terms of the PFA.
Can the Landlord Evict Me if I’m the Leaseholder?
Landlords generally can’t evict lease-holding tenants just because someone filed a PFA against them. However, they can evict you for violating lease terms, disturbing other tenants, or engaging in criminal activity on the premises. If the PFA involves allegations of violence, threats, or illegal activity on the property, the landlord might argue that your presence is a safety concern or disrupts the peace. To evict you, they must follow standard eviction procedures, which include giving notice and providing the opportunity for a hearing. In addition, they will need proof to substantiate their allegations.
What if I’m Not the Leaseholder?
If you are not the leaseholder, Pennsylvania law requires the landlord to give you written notice to quit the premises, even without a specific cause. Having a PFA against you, therefore, might prompt them to provide you with notice. The notice period may be for either 15 days or 30 days, depending on how long you have lived at the residence. If you do not leave once the notice period ends, the landlord may file a court complaint against you.
Skilled Pennsylvania Family Lawyers Can Help
If a PFA has been filed against you, take it seriously and consult with the experienced lawyers of the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team today. We can discuss your eviction concerns, review your lease, explain your rights, and help you respond to any eviction notice. Call us at 888.535.3686 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We’re standing ready to help you find the best possible outcome for your situation.