Pennsylvania Notice to Vacate

A legally compliant notice to vacate (Notice to Quit) under Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. §250.501 et seq.). Use the correct notice type based on the reason for termination and the lease term length: 10-day notice for non-payment of rent, 15-day notice for termination of a month-to-month or other periodic tenancy of one year or less (or indeterminate), or 30-day notice for termination of a lease for more than one year. Lease terms may require longer notice periods. Pennsylvania has no statewide just-cause eviction requirement for most private residential tenancies. Notice may be served personally, by leaving at the principal building, or by posting conspicuously on the leased premises., -

Notice Type Selection Guide

Select the applicable notice type before completing the form. Using the wrong notice type or incorrect period may delay or invalidate eviction proceedings in Magisterial District Court.

> Important, computing deadlines: Pennsylvania uses calendar days unless the lease provides otherwise. Notice periods generally begin the day after service. If served by posting, the clock typically starts upon posting. If the lease provides for a different period or method, follow the lease. Service by first-class mail is commonly used in practice in addition to statutory methods; allow extra time for delivery. Do not count the day of service. The termination date should align with the end of a rental period when required by the lease or for periodic tenancies., -

NOTICE TO VACATE ### (Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. §250.501 et seq.)

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Landlord / Authorized Agent / Property Manager):
[[Landlord or Agent Full Name]]
[[Landlord or Agent Mailing Address]]
[[Landlord or Agent City]], PA [[Landlord or Agent ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord or Agent Phone]]
Email: [[Landlord or Agent Email]]

TO (Tenant(s) and All Occupants):
[[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS
of the premises located at:
[[Rental Property Address]]
[[City]], PA [[ZIP Code]] (the "Premises")

RE: Tenancy at the Premises, [[Describe Tenancy: month-to-month / week-to-week / fixed term lease ending [[Lease End Date]] / other]]

Tenancy Commencement Date (approximate): [[Tenancy Start Date]]

Lease Term / Type: [[Fixed Term of X Years / Month-to-Month / Other]], -

*(Select and complete ONLY the section(s) that apply to your situation. Delete or strike through inapplicable options.)*, -

OPTION A, 10-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit *(68 P.S. §250.501(b), Nonpayment of Rent)*, -

10-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are in default under your rental agreement for failure to pay rent when due for the Premises described above. Pursuant to 68 P.S. §250.501(b), the following amounts are past due:

Itemized Rent and Charges Due:

1. Rent for rental period [[Rental Period 1, e.g. June 2026]]: $[[Amount 1]]

2. Rent for rental period [[Rental Period 2, if applicable]]: $[[Amount 2]]

3. Other authorized charges (if lease permits and reasonable): $[[Other Charges]] (description: [[Description of Other Charges]])

Total Amount Due: $[[Total Amount Due]]

Payment must be made to: [[Landlord or Agent Full Name]] at [[Payment Address / Method or Online Portal]]

You are hereby required to do one of the following within TEN (10) DAYS from the date this notice is served:

1. Pay the full total amount due of $[[Total Amount Due]] in full; OR

2. Vacate and surrender possession of the Premises no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Deadline Date, 10 days after service]].

If you fail to pay the full amount due or vacate by the deadline, the landlord will terminate the tenancy and file a landlord-tenant complaint for possession (eviction) in the appropriate Magisterial District Court. The landlord may also seek a money judgment for unpaid rent, damages, costs, and attorney fees where permitted.

Payment of the exact amount claimed within the 10-day period will cure the default for nonpayment. Partial payment does not cure unless the landlord agrees in writing. Acceptance of late rent after this notice does not waive the right to proceed unless stated in writing., -

OPTION B, 15-Day Notice of Termination (Month-to-Month or Periodic Tenancy ≤1 Year) *(68 P.S. §250.501(b), No-Cause Termination)*, -

15-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to 68 P.S. §250.501(b), your month-to-month (or other periodic) tenancy for the Premises is hereby terminated. Because the lease term is one year or less (or indeterminate), you are required to vacate at the expiration of fifteen (15) days from service of this notice, or at the end of the current rental period, whichever is later as required by the tenancy.

Tenancy Termination / Vacate Date: [[Termination Date, at least 15 days after service and end of rental period if applicable]]

You are required to vacate and surrender possession of the Premises in broom-clean condition, with all personal property removed, no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Termination Date]].

On or before the Termination Date, please:

1. Remove all personal property and belongings from the Premises.

2. Return all keys, garage door openers, mailbox keys, access fobs, and other entry devices to [[Landlord or Agent Name]] at [[Return Address or Drop Location]].

3. Ensure all utilities placed in your name are transferred or canceled effective on the vacate date.

4. Provide a written forwarding address to [[Landlord or Agent]] for security deposit accounting.

5. Leave the Premises free of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

This is a no-cause termination of a periodic tenancy as permitted under Pennsylvania law. Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide just-cause requirement for termination of most private residential month-to-month tenancies.

Security Deposit: Your security deposit in the amount of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] is held by [[Landlord or Agent Name]]. Per 68 P.S. §250.512, the landlord must return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within thirty (30) days after termination of the lease and delivery of possession, provided you supply a forwarding address.

All rent and other charges due through the Termination Date remain payable. If you remain after the deadline without the landlord's written consent, you will be a holdover tenant subject to daily use-and-occupancy charges and court proceedings for possession., -

OPTION C, 30-Day Notice of Termination (Lease Term >1 Year) *(68 P.S. §250.501(b), No-Cause or End of Longer Term)*, -

30-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to 68 P.S. §250.501(b), your tenancy under a lease for a term of more than one year is hereby terminated. You are required to remove from the Premises within thirty (30) days from the date of service of this notice (or at the end of the term if later).

Tenancy Termination / Vacate Date: [[Termination Date, at least 30 days after service]]

You must vacate and surrender the Premises no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Termination Date]].

Before vacating, complete the following:

1. Remove all personal property from the Premises.

2. Return all keys and access devices to the landlord or agent at the location specified above.

3. Cancel or transfer utilities in your name.

4. Provide forwarding address in writing.

5. Leave the property in clean condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

If you remain in possession after the Termination Date, the landlord may immediately commence eviction proceedings in the Magisterial District Court without further notice and may recover possession plus damages.

Security Deposit Return: The landlord will account for your security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] within 30 days after surrender and receipt of your forwarding address, in accordance with 68 P.S. §250.512. Deductions, if any, will be itemized with supporting documentation., -

OPTION D, 15-Day or 30-Day Notice to Cure Lease Violation or Quit *(68 P.S. §250.501(b), Material Breach Other Than Rent)*, -

NOTICE TO CURE LEASE VIOLATION OR QUIT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are in material breach of your lease or tenancy agreement for the Premises. The violation(s) are described below.

Description of Violation(s):
[[Detailed description of the lease breach, e.g., "Unauthorized occupants living at the Premises in violation of Section X of the Lease. Two additional adults have resided since approximately [[Date]]."]]

Lease Provision(s) Violated: [[Specific section(s) of lease or statute reference]]

Date(s) Violation Observed or Occurred: [[Date(s)]]

Pursuant to 68 P.S. §250.501, you are required to:

1. Cure the violation completely within the applicable period: [[15 days for periodic/≤1yr tenancy or 30 days for >1yr tenancy]] from service of this notice; OR

2. Vacate and surrender possession of the Premises no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Cure-or-Quit Deadline Date]].

If you cure the breach within the cure period, the tenancy will continue (subject to any other lease terms). If you fail to cure or vacate by the deadline, the landlord will terminate the tenancy and file for possession in court.

Note: If the breach is not curable (e.g., illegal activity, substantial damage, repeated prior violations), the notice may be modified to an unconditional quit with the statutory period., -

OPTION E, Tenant Notice to Vacate (Tenant-Initiated Termination) *(Periodic Tenancy, Typically 15 Days for Month-to-Month)*, -

TENANT'S NOTICE TO VACATE

I, [[Tenant Full Name(s)]], hereby provide written notice that I intend to terminate my tenancy and vacate the Premises located at [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], PA [[ZIP Code]].

Intended Vacate Date: [[Vacate Date, at least 15 days from delivery for month-to-month or per lease terms]]

I will:

1. Remove all personal property from the Premises by the Vacate Date.

2. Return all keys, access devices, and remotes to [[Landlord or Agent Name]] at [[Return Location]] by the Vacate Date.

3. Leave the Premises in clean, undamaged condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

4. Provide the following forwarding address for security deposit return and any final statements:

Forwarding Address: [[Tenant Forwarding Address, City, State, ZIP]]

Phone: [[Tenant Phone for Contact]]

All rent due through the Vacate Date will be paid. I understand the landlord must return or account for the security deposit within 30 days after surrender and receipt of forwarding address per 68 P.S. §250.512.

Tenant Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date Signed]], -

OPTION F, End-of-Lease-Term Notice to Vacate *(After Fixed Term Expires, Holdover Situation)*, -

NOTICE TO VACATE AT END OF LEASE TERM

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that your fixed-term Lease Agreement for the Premises expired on [[Lease Expiration Date]]. No renewal or new written agreement has been executed. You are occupying the Premises as a holdover tenant without landlord consent.

You must vacate and surrender possession no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Vacate Deadline Date]].

If you remain after this date, daily use-and-occupancy charges of $[[Daily Holdover Rate or Per Diem]] will accrue, and the landlord will pursue all available remedies including filing for possession in the Magisterial District Court and recovery of damages.

Return all keys and access devices to [[Landlord or Agent]] at [[Return Location]] upon vacating. Provide forwarding address for deposit accounting., -

Signature and Certification

*(Complete for all landlord-issued notices)*

Landlord or Authorized Agent Signature:

________________________________________
[[Landlord or Agent Full Name]]
[[Title: Owner / Property Manager / Authorized Agent]]
[[Mailing Address]]
[[City]], PA [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Phone Number]]
Date Signed: [[Date Signed]], -

Service of Notice, Permitted Methods *(68 P.S. §250.501(f))*

Pennsylvania law authorizes the following methods for serving a Notice to Vacate:

Method 1, Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant (or an adult present at the Premises of suitable age and discretion). The period begins upon delivery.

Method 2, Leaving at Principal Building
Leave a copy at the principal building on the premises.

Method 3, Conspicuous Posting
Post the notice conspicuously on the leased premises (e.g., main entrance door). This is a common method when personal delivery is not possible.

Additional Practice, Mailing
Although not the sole statutory method, first-class mail (and certified mail for proof) is widely used in conjunction with posting. When using mail, compute additional time for delivery. Retain proof.

> Best Practice: Use certified mail, return receipt requested, or obtain a witness/affidavit of posting. Keep the original notice, proof of service, and any receipts. Courts require evidence of proper service to proceed with eviction., -

Certificate / Proof of Service

*(Complete the applicable certificate. Sign and retain for court filing.)*

Certificate A, Personal Delivery or Leaving at Premises

I, [[Server Full Name]], certify that on [[Date of Service]] at approximately [[Time a.m./p.m.]], I served the foregoing Notice to Vacate upon the Tenant(s) named above at the Premises by:

• ☐ Handing a copy directly to [[Tenant Name or Adult Occupant]]
• ☐ Leaving a copy at the principal building on the Premises

The notice period begins on the date of service. Deadline to comply: [[Deadline Date]].

___________________________________
Signature of Server

[[Server Full Name]]
[[Server Address]]
[[City]], PA [[ZIP Code]]

Date Certificate Signed: [[Date]], -

Certificate B, Conspicuous Posting

I, [[Server Full Name]], certify under penalty of perjury that on [[Date of Posting]] at approximately [[Time]], after being unable to effect personal delivery, I posted a true and correct copy of the foregoing Notice to Vacate in a conspicuous place on the main entrance / front door of the Premises located at:

[[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], PA [[ZIP Code]]

A copy was also sent by first-class mail on [[Mailing Date]] (optional but recommended).

The notice period begins on the posting date. Compliance deadline: [[Deadline Date]].

___________________________________
Signature of Server

[[Server Full Name]]
[[Server Address]]
[[City]], PA [[ZIP Code]]

Date Certificate Signed: [[Date]], -

Day Computation Reference Table

Example (15-day notice posted June 5): Period begins June 6. 15th day is June 20. Tenant must vacate by 11:59 p.m. June 20. File on or after June 21 if still in possession., -

Pennsylvania Notice to Vacate, Statutory Quick Reference

Pre-Filing Checklist, Before Filing Landlord-Tenant Complaint

Complete all items before filing for possession in Magisterial District Court:

1. Correct notice type and period selected based on ground and lease term length.

2. Statutory notice period has fully elapsed with no cure or vacatur.

3. Notice served by a permitted method (personal, leave at building, or conspicuous posting).

4. Proof-of-service certificate completed, signed, and dated with details.

5. Copy of notice and proof retained for filing with the complaint.

6. Any amounts claimed (rent) are accurate and supported; late fees only if lease-authorized and reasonable.

7. Tenant provided opportunity to cure where the statute and facts require.

8. Local ordinances (if any) checked for additional requirements (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or other cities may have rules).

9. Security deposit accounting prepared if applicable after surrender., -

Tenant Defenses and Rights (Summary)

A tenant receiving this notice may have rights including:

1. Right to cure nonpayment by paying the exact rent claimed within 10 days (where applicable).

2. Right to cure remediable lease violations within the cure period.

3. Right to challenge improper service, incorrect period, or calculation errors at hearing.

4. Protection against retaliatory eviction for complaining about conditions or exercising rights.

5. Implied warranty of habitability defenses if conditions render the Premises uninhabitable.

6. Right to request itemized security deposit accounting within 30 days after move-out.

7. Right to legal representation and to present evidence at the Magisterial District Court hearing.

8. Possible relocation assistance or protections under local rules or federal programs (e.g., CARES Act for certain subsidized housing)., -

No Statewide Rent Control or Just-Cause

Pennsylvania does not have statewide rent control or just-cause eviction statutes applicable to most private-market residential tenancies. Termination of periodic tenancies is permitted with proper statutory notice. Always review the specific written lease for any additional notice or cause requirements. Local ordinances in certain municipalities may impose additional tenant protections., -

*Sample template for Pennsylvania, not legal advice. Provisions based on 68 P.S. §250.501 et seq. as of 2026-06; verify current statutes, compute exact days correctly, and use proper service methods before use. Lease terms may extend notice periods. Consult the Magisterial District Court rules and counsel as needed.*