Pennsylvania Notice to Tenants of Intent to Sell
Pennsylvania law does not require landlords to issue a specific 'Notice of Intent to Sell' if the lease will continue under the new owner, as existing leases transfer with the property. This notice serves as a professional courtesy to inform tenants about the sale and coordinate property showings. DocDraft's AI notice generator helps landlords create clear, professional communication for this process, with attorney-review available.
Introduction
In Pennsylvania, selling a property that someone is renting takes a careful, by-the-book approach. The Landlord and Tenant Act does not actually require you to send a formal 'Notice of Intent to Sell,' but sending one is a smart, professional move. This notice tells your tenant that the property's title is about to change hands, explains that their current lease carries over to the new owner without interruption, and lays out a clear plan for showing the property to buyers. Handled this way, it protects the legal and financial interests of everyone involved.
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Key Things to Know
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Even though no specific statute spells it out, it is a widely accepted and sensible practice in Pennsylvania to give your tenant at least twenty-four hours' notice before showing the property to a possible buyer.
- 2
Once the new owner takes title, they also take on all of the previous landlord's duties, most importantly the responsibility for holding and eventually returning the tenant's security deposit.
- 3
To legally end a month-to-month tenancy that has lasted one year or less, Pennsylvania requires the landlord to give at least fifteen days' written notice of termination.
- 4
When a month-to-month tenancy has run longer than one full year, Pennsylvania law requires that a termination notice be served at least thirty days before the intended move-out date.
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You are not legally required to send a formal written notice of your intent to sell, but doing so helps keep things friendly with your tenant and makes the whole sale go more smoothly.
- 6
Pennsylvania law does not force a landlord to issue a formal 'Notice of Intent to Sell,' as long as the existing lease is assigned to the new owner and continues uninterrupted under them.
- 7
Keep in mind that once the sale goes through, the tenant's current lease, with all its original terms including the rent amount, passes automatically to the new owner by operation of law and without any changes.
Key decisions before you file
Before you file a Notice to Tenants of Intent to Sell in Pennsylvania, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Notice to Tenants of Intent to Sell guide walks through them.
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Pennsylvania Requirements for Notice to Tenants of Intent to Sell
Written Notice Recommended
Although Pennsylvania law doesn't mandate a specific 'notice to sell,' providing a formal written notice is a professional best practice to ensure clear communication and prevent tenant disputes.
No State-Mandated Form
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not provide an official, state-required form for notifying a tenant of a property sale when the lease will continue.
Reasonable Notice for Entry
The notice should state that tenants will receive 'reasonable notice,' commonly accepted as at least 24 hours, before the landlord or their agent enters the property for showings.
Confirmation of Lease Transfer
Clarify that under Pennsylvania law, the existing lease, its terms, and the security deposit will transfer to the new property owner, who will then assume all landlord responsibilities.
Month-to-Month Termination Rules
If a month-to-month lease must be terminated, the notice must comply with 68 P.S. § 250.501: 15 days for tenancies of one year or less, and 30 days for tenancies over one year.
Current Landlord Contact
The document must include the current landlord's or property manager's name and contact information for tenant inquiries during the sale process.
Proper Delivery of Notice
The notice should be delivered using a method specified or permitted in the lease agreement, such as certified mail or hand delivery, to create a record of receipt.
Tenant's Right to Quiet Enjoyment
The notice should reassure the tenant that their right to quiet enjoyment will be respected, and showings will be scheduled reasonably to minimize disruption.