The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread effect on everyone over the past few weeks.  One portion of society that has been affected are Landlords and Tenants – both residential and commercial.  On March 18, 2020, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania put into effect an Order stating that for the duration of the Judicial Emergency, “no officer, official, or other person employed by the Pennsylvania Judiciary at any level shall effectuate an eviction, ejectment, or other displacement from a residence based upon the failure to make a rent, loan, or other similar payment.”  Similarly, on May 7, 2020, Governor Wolf put into effect an Executive Order prohibits the eviction of any tenant, for any reason, through July 10, 2020.

 

Of course, this raises a number of issues, not only during to the time period of the Judicial Emergency and the period under Governor’s Executive Order, but also how to handle these issues once the Judicial Emergency and Governor’s Judicial Order expire.  These issues will be faced by both Landlords and Tenants, whether it be understanding your rights as a Landlord or Tenant in this ever-changing time or understanding the procedure and process for addressing those specific issues. 

 

The uncertainty we are facing in the next few months will be a struggle for both Tenants and Landlords, and determining the best way to combat this uncertainty is paramount.  If you are a Landlord or Tenant with questions regarding your specific circumstances, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, contact the Law Office of Harding, Hill, Turowski & James, LLP, and speak with our experienced Landlord/Tenant Attorneys.