Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

We are tenants in Pennsylvania who have given (more than) our contractual 60 days notice.

Our landlord's realtor has started showing the house and put a lockbox on the door.

Yesterday, a realtor entered our home unannounced.

I have been present for each and every showing and informed the listing agent that I would continue to do so and let potential renters in with 24 hours notice.

I requested the lockbox be removed, as I do not feel safe knowing people can enter as they please, the realtor has refused.

Nowhere in our lease does it specify we MUST allow anyone other than our landlords to enter our home.

I know that we are entitled to "as peaceful living situation as possible" and since we are here for another 6 weeks, I am not comfortable with leaving the lockbox on the door.

Do I have legal recourse to force them to remove the lockbox?

Thank you!


Asked on 5/25/12, 2:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Solomon Law Office of Andrew A. Solomon

Yes. Just because you gave the landlord 60 days written notice of your decision not to renew, doesn't mean that your landlord can show the apartment to others at will and put a lockbox on the door. You are entitle to the implied covenant of "quiet enjoyment" which means that you are entitled to sole possession and control of the leased premises until the termination date. Your landlord must ask you for permission to show the apartment, but you are not required to agree. You can sue the landlord in District Justice court for breach of the lease conditions, and might be able to get your rent back.

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Answered on 6/01/12, 5:47 pm


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