No, prior to removing or disposing of abandoned property, the landlord must notify you of your rights regarding the property.
After you move out and provide your landlord with a forwarding address, your landlord must send you written notice that you left personal property behind in the rental unit.
If you have NOT contacted the landlord within TEN (10) DAYS of receiving written notice from them that you left items behind, then the landlord may dispose of the items.
You should notify your landlord of your intent to retrieve any personal property left behind by calling your landlord and by sending your landlord a letter.
REMEMBER: Keep a copy of the letter you send to your landlord for your record
According to Pennsylvania Law, 68 P.S 250.505a, if you have vacated the premises or an eviction was executed by an order of possessions, you have 10 days from the postmark date of the notice to retrieve your property, or to request your property be stored for an additional period not exceeding 30 days from the date of the notice.
If you have been served a valid writ or order of possession from an Magisterial District Justice that contains language informing you at the 10-day mark, then no further notice is required. The ten-day clock begins when the writ is served.
Storage will be provided at a place of the Landlord’s choosing and you shall be responsible for removal or storage costs.
Remember: The law often changes. Each case is different. This pamphlet is meant to give you information and not to give you specific legal advice. Please use the information found in this brochure carefully since the law is constantly changing.
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Allegheny County Office
928 PENN AVENUE | PITTSBURGH, PA 15222-3757
Beaver County Office
STONE POINT LANDING, SUITE 204A
500 MARKET STREET | BRIDGEWATER, PA 15009-2998
Butler County Office
HOLLY POINTE BUILDING, SUITE C PLAZA LEVEL
220 S. MAIN STREET | BUTLER, PA 16001
Lawrence County Office
TEMPLE BUILDING, SUITE 329
125 EAST NORTH STREET
NEW CASTLE, PA 16101-3751
Contact your local legal aid office.
You can locate your local legal office on the
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network website at:
Select your county to find the legal aid program serving the area where you live.
Updated January 2021