On March 18, 2020, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued an order prohibiting judges at any level of the Pennsylvania Judiciary from effectuating an “eviction, ejectment or other displacement from a residence based upon the failure to make a rent, loan, or other similar payment”.
This prohibition remains in effect until at least April 3, 2020, but this date may be extended to the extent this judicial emergency continues.
The Court also issued a stay on the execution of any order for possession. This means that a landlord who already has a judgment for possession is not permitted to execute on the judgment until at least April 3, 2020.
By its Order, the Court acknowledges the economic consequences of this pandemic, which it states “may cause individuals to suffer a loss of income, which in turn may delay rent payments, mortgage-loan payments, or the like- including payments to be made by individuals who may be under self-imposed quarantine or who may otherwise be carrying the virus or vulnerable to infection.” However, it remains unseen what relief, if any, will be made available to landlords, particularly those who rely on the income they collect from tenants to pay mortgages and satisfy tax obligations on these rental properties.
If you have any questions regarding the impact of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Order on a pending or potential eviction, contact one of the attorneys at KingSpry.
This news item is a publication of KingSpry. It is meant to be informational and does not constitute legal advice.
