Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

I've lived with my boyfriend for over four years in a home he owns (in Pennsylvania). I do not pay him rent and we do not have any rental/lease type of agreement other than verbal agreements regarding who pays what bills. He has asked me to move out, to which I agreed, but he never gave me written notice to vacate, nor has he filed a formal eviction notice. I believe that I am considered a tenant at will and that he should actually provide written notice to quit, correct? My primary concern is that I am moving locally but it will likely take me multiple days to fully vacate as I have large fish tanks that will need to be drained, moved, etc. From what I've read regarding PA law, for my own protection I should notify him in writing on the day I move out that I intend to return to collect additional personal property, and that I have a period of 30 days in which I may return to retrieve said belongings. Would it be legal for him to change the locks on the home and prevent my access during this time frame considering he never documented in writing that I am being evicted? Should I be allowed entry into the home without his presence when I'm coming back to get my stuff? In general, I'd like to know exactly what my rights are in this situation and what he is a is not allowed to do regarding my access to the home while I'm moving out.

Asked on 7/07/16, 5:24 am

John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

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Actually you're a tenant at sufferance. And yes he has to go through all the eviction procedures he would if you had a lease:

Notice to Quit

Eviction Proceedings

No use of self help (changing locks)

The right to retrieve property.

That said I find your legal position on the situations, interesting.

{John}

Answered on 7/07/16, 7:20 am

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