Domestic Violence Protections

Pennsylvania law provides important housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. You should not have to choose between safety and housing.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) | PA DV Hotline: 1-800-932-4632 | Text START to 88788

Your Rights as a Survivor

Early Lease Termination

68 Pa.C.S. § 250.513-B

DV survivors may terminate a lease early without penalty by providing proper documentation to the landlord.

Provide written notice to landlord

Include a copy of a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, police report, or signed statement from a DV service provider

Lease terminates 30 days after the next rent payment is due after notice

No early termination fee or penalty may be charged

Lock Changes

68 Pa.C.S. § 250.513-B

Survivors have the right to request lock changes on their unit to protect their safety.

Tenant may request the landlord change the locks at the landlord’s expense

If landlord does not act within 48 hours, tenant may change locks and provide landlord a copy of the new key

Only the tenant and landlord receive new keys—not the abuser

Request should be accompanied by a PFA order or police report

Protection Against Discrimination

HUD guidance; local ordinances

Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or otherwise discriminate against tenants because they are DV survivors.

Being a DV victim is not grounds for eviction

Landlord cannot refuse to renew lease solely due to DV-related incidents

Calling police for DV emergencies cannot be used against the tenant

Nuisance ordinances cannot be applied to DV victims for police calls

Confidentiality Protections

23 Pa.C.S. § 6116

Information shared with landlords regarding DV status is confidential and may not be disclosed.

Landlord must keep all DV-related documentation confidential

DV status cannot be shared with other tenants or third parties

PFA orders and police reports provided to landlord are not public record in this context

Address confidentiality programs are available through the PA Attorney General’s office

Allegheny County Resources

Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

412-687-8005

24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy

Center for Victims

1-866-644-2882

Crisis counseling, legal advocacy, court accompaniment

Allegheny County Bar Association Lawyer Referral

412-261-5555

Referral to attorneys experienced in PFA and housing matters

Neighborhood Legal Services

412-255-6700

Free legal help for low-income DV survivors

PA Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program

1-800-563-6399

Substitute address to keep your real location private

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)

1-866-363-7273

24-hour hotline for sexual assault survivors

Need legal documents for your situation?

Get attorney-drafted PFA petitions, lease termination notices, and other protective documents.

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