Pennsylvania § 3932 - Theft of leased property.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3932 — Theft of leased property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3932. Theft of leased property.
(a) Offense defined.--A person who obtains personal property under an agreement for the lease or rental of the property is guilty of theft if he intentionally deals with the property as his own.
(b) Definition.--As used in this section:
(1) A person "deals with the property as his own" if he sells, secretes, destroys, converts to his own use or otherwise disposes of the property.
(2) A "written demand to return the property is delivered" when it is sent simultaneously by first class mail, evidenced by a certificate of mailing, and by registered or certified mail to the address provided by the lessee.
(c) Presumption.--A person shall be prima facie presumed to have intent if he:
(1) signs the lease or rental agreement with a name other than his own and fails to return the property within the time specified in the agreement; or
(2) fails to return the property to its owner within seven days after a written demand to return the property is delivered.
(d) Exception.--This section shall not apply to secured transactions as defined in Title 13 (relating to commercial code).
(Aug. 8, 1977, P.L.184, No.49, eff. 90 days; Nov. 1, 1979, P.L.255, No.86, eff. Jan. 1, 1980; Oct. 9, 2008, P.L.1403, No.111, eff. imd.)
2008 Amendment. Act 111 amended subsecs. (b) and (c)(2).
Cross References. Section 3932 is referred to in sections 5552, 8310 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 3932
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3932 cover?
Section 3932 ("Theft of leased property.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 3932?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3932" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 3932 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.