Are transitional housing tenants protected by Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law?

Some transitional housing tenants in Pennsylvania are covered by landlord-tenant law, but others are governed by agency or federal rules depending on the program.

What notice must I get before being asked to leave transitional housing?

You usually must receive a written Notice to Quit, typically 10 days’ notice for nonpayment or violations. Program rules may offer more notice or extra steps.

Can I dispute a removal from transitional housing?

Many programs offer an appeal or grievance process. You may also contest an eviction in court if you have a legal lease. Seek legal aid for guidance.

Where are evictions from transitional housing heard?

Evictions in Pennsylvania are generally heard in Magisterial District Courts. Check your notice for court details.

Where do I find program-specific tenant rights information?

Check your program’s handbook and, for federally funded housing, refer to HUD’s transitional housing rules.

Transitional Housing Tenant Rights in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

Special Housing Types & Situations Pennsylvania published June 21, 2025

If you live in transitional housing in Pennsylvania, understanding your tenant rights is crucial. Transitional housing provides short-term accommodations for people moving out of homelessness, substance use treatment, or other vulnerable circumstances. The rules for tenants in these programs can be different from those in standard rental housing. This guide explains your legal protections, the process for handling disputes or eviction, and your options for help—all in plain language.

Understanding Transitional Housing and Tenant Rights

Transitional housing is temporary housing provided by nonprofit agencies, government programs, or other service organizations. In Pennsylvania, rights and responsibilities in transitional housing may depend on the program type, funding source, and lease or occupancy agreement you sign.

Some transitional housing programs are covered by the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951.
Other programs (especially those provided by shelters or for recovery) may have occupancy agreements—these might not offer all the same legal protections as a traditional lease.
Federal programs (like those funded by HUD) must follow HUD guidelines on rights, grievance procedures, and evictions.

Your Basic Rights as a Transitional Housing Tenant

Safe, habitable housing: All tenants have a right to basic safe and sanitary living conditions. Landlords or program managers must address repairs and are required to comply with local building codes (learn how to report unsafe conditions in Philadelphia).
Notice before eviction: Most transitional housing programs must give reasonable notice before asking you to leave. Pennsylvania requires at least 10 days’ written notice to terminate a lease for nonpayment or breach, but program rules may differ (see the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act).
Due process: If you are being asked to leave, you may have the right to a hearing or to contest the eviction in local court.
Protection against discrimination: Transitional housing providers may not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability under the federal Fair Housing Act.

Eviction and Termination from Transitional Housing

If you receive an eviction or termination notice from your transitional housing provider, your rights depend on your agreement, the program's rules, and the law.

Written Notice Requirement: Pennsylvania law generally requires landlords to provide a written "Notice to Quit" before filing for eviction. For nonpayment, this is a 10-day notice. For other reasons, it may be longer or shorter. However, federally funded transitional housing programs often require additional notice and grievance procedures. Check your program's resident handbook or agreement.
Opportunity to Remedy: Many programs let you appeal the decision, attend a conference, or fix issues before being removed.
Court Hearing: If you are not allowed to appeal internally, or if you choose to contest the eviction, you may be able to present your case at the local magisterial district court. You can learn more from the Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts.

Official Forms: Notice to Quit

Form: Notice to Quit (No official numbered form)
When and How Used: The landlord or program manager must serve this written notice before filing an eviction. For example, if you miss your program fee or break a rule, they must give you a written "Notice to Quit" stating how long you have until you must move or fix the problem. You can find sample language and requirements in PA Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 506.
View the required notice procedure here

How to Respond to a Notice

If you receive a Notice to Quit or a termination letter from your provider:

Read the notice carefully and note all deadlines.
Ask staff for a copy of the program’s grievance or dispute process.
Contact a legal aid agency for advice (see resources below).
If an eviction is filed in district court, attend your hearing to present your side.

Tip: If you feel your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or seek legal aid right away.

Legislation Protecting Transitional Housing Residents

Your key legal protections may be found in:

Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (for many rental situations)
Federal housing program rules and regulations
Program rules or handbooks (ask your provider)

Legislative coverage can vary for transitional housing, so always check your occupancy agreement and seek help if you are unsure of your rights.

FAQ

Are transitional housing tenants protected by Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law?
Some transitional housing tenants have coverage under Pennsylvania’s landlord-tenant law, especially if you have a written lease or pay rent. Others, such as residents of shelters or certain federally funded programs, may be subject to agency rules or federal law instead.
What kind of notice do I receive before being asked to leave transitional housing?
In most cases, you must receive a written Notice to Quit under Pennsylvania law, typically with at least 10 days’ notice for nonpayment or violations. Your program may give more notice or have additional steps.
Can I appeal or dispute being removed from transitional housing?
Many transitional programs have an internal appeal or grievance process. You also may contest an eviction in district court if you have a legal lease. Seek assistance from legal aid if you’re unsure.
Where do I go if I need to challenge an eviction?
Evictions are usually handled by Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Courts. Check your notice to see if a court date is set and attend if possible.
Where can I find official guidance for tenants in specialized programs?
Read your program rules, and for federally funded programs, check HUD’s guidance for homeless assistance programs.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: State-supported housing info and resources
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission: For housing discrimination complaints
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: Free legal resources for renters and tenants
Find your local Magisterial District Court: For eviction hearings
HUD Pennsylvania Resources: National protections and federal complaint filing