Senate Bill 1236 is an Act amending the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Shapiro on July 17th 2024; provides further definition; in recovery of possession, further definitions for providing a Notice to Quit, and making editorial changes to the original Act.
The growing problem of squatters unlawfully taking over homes is becoming increasingly prevalent and poses a significant threat to the stability and security of homeowners nationwide.
For instance, in New York, any occupant who has been in possession of a premises for thirty consecutive days or longer is granted tenancy rights. This means that even if the individual(s) did not obtain possession legally from the owner, they would be considered tenants and would require formal eviction procedures to remove them.
On the other hand, in Pennsylvania, such individuals would be considered trespassers once the landowner warns them that they are not welcome and instructs them to vacate.
Under this new Pennsylvania law, individuals who remain in any place where they are not licensed or privileged to be, commit the offense of defiant trespass.
This legislation now clarifies the legal status of squatters in Pennsylvania and streamline the process for removing them from residential properties.
This bill was passed with overwhelming support in the PA senate with 48 in favor of the bill and only 2 abstaining from the vote and an astounding unanimous passage in the House.