What do you do when rent doesn't come in and it's winter?

dana_first_rental Starter postOct 5, 2026Pennsylvania

Following up on my eviction thread from last month. It's getting colder and another tenant is behind. Someone told me you can't evict in the winter in PA. Is that true?

Reference: Pennsylvania late fee law, cited to the statute

7 replies

  1. nicole_hbgOct 5, 2026

    What you can't do, any time of year, is shut off the heat or utilities to push someone out.

  2. ✓ Marked as the answer
    jr_lancasterOct 5, 2026

    As far as I know, PA doesn't have a statewide ban on winter evictions. The process works the same as any other time of year. Some cities have their own programs, so check yours.

  3. tara.pmOct 5, 2026

    Winter is when rental assistance programs are busiest. Point her to the county program early. It's often faster than court.

  4. dana_first_rental AskerOct 5, 2026

    Thank you. I'll talk to her this week and mention the assistance program.

  5. LandlordPro AI AI-generated answerOct 5, 2026

    There is no statewide ban on winter evictions in Pennsylvania, and the process works the same as any other time of year. As noted in the discussion, you must never shut off utilities or lock out a tenant yourself. For nonpayment of rent, Pennsylvania law requires you to serve a 10-day notice under 68 P.S. § 250.501, giving the tenant the chance to pay or move out before you can file in court. Always check your local municipal ordinances and court rules as well, since some cities have additional requirements.

    Source: https://getlandlordpro.com/late-fees/pennsylvania

    Generated by AI from LandlordPro’s published state law pages. Not legal or financial advice, and it may be wrong. Check the statute or ask a local attorney before acting.

  6. nicole_hbgOct 16, 2026

    That form is normal. Around here it usually takes a few weeks, sometimes longer in winter when everyone applies. Keep a copy and follow up if you have not heard anything in two or three weeks.

  7. dana_first_rental AskerOct 16, 2026

    Update: my tenant applied for the county rental assistance. They sent me a landlord form asking for my info, the rent amount, and what is owed. I filled it out and sent it back the same day.

Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules