Pennsylvania Tenant Rights Regarding Utilities

Pennsylvania law protects tenants' rights to utility service.

Pennsylvania law protects a tenant's right to public utilities, such as heat, water and electricity, even when the tenant is facing eviction. A tenant also has the right to be notified if a landlord has failed to pay a utility bill on time.

Rental Agreements

Rental agreements and leases are binding contracts between landlord and tenant. The Pennsylvania Attorney General urges tenants to ensure that their rental agreement specifies which party is responsible for utility payments. Tenants are also encouraged to ask a prospective landlord for utility bill estimates.

Landlord-Paid Utilities

If your landlord pays all or some of your utilities, the Utility Service Tenants Rights Act protects you from utility shutoff if your landlord falls behind in bill payment. Under this law, the utility company must inform you 30 days prior to shutoff that the bill is unpaid. You have the right to pay the past-due bill and deduct the amount from your rent.

Eviction

If your landlord is trying to have you evicted, she cannot try to force you out by shutting off your utilities. You have a right to keep your utilities turned on until you are formally evicted via a court order.

References

• PA Law Help: Utility Service Tenants Rights Act
• Pennsylvania Attorney General: Renting a Home or Apartment: Leases and Security Deposits
• North Penn Legal Services: Eviction Process