Pennsylvania § 1531 - Retaliation by landlord prohibited.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1531 — Retaliation by landlord prohibited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1531. Retaliation by landlord prohibited.
(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any landlord ratepayer or agent or employee thereof to threaten or take reprisals against a tenant because the tenant exercised his rights under section 1527 (relating to right of tenants to continued service) or section 1529 (relating to right of tenant to recover payments).
(b) Liability of landlord for damages.--Any landlord ratepayer or agent or employee thereof who threatens or takes such reprisals against any tenant shall be liable for damages which shall be two months rent or the actual damages sustained by the tenant, whichever is greater, and the costs of suit and reasonable attorneys' fees.
(c) Presumption of retaliation.--The receipt of any notice of termination of tenancy, an increase in rent or of any substantial alteration in the terms of tenancy within six months after the tenant has acted pursuant to section 1527 or 1529 to avoid termination of utility service shall create a rebuttable presumption that the notice is a reprisal against the tenant for exercising his rights under section 1527 or 1529. However, the presumption shall not arise if the notice of termination of tenancy is for nonpayment of rent not withheld under section 1529 or lawfully withheld under any other right that the tenant may have by law.
(July 2, 1993, P.L.379, No.54, eff. 60 days)
1993 Amendment. Act 54 amended subsec. (c).
Cross References. Section 1531 is referred to in sections 1523, 1525 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 1531
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1531 cover?
Section 1531 ("Retaliation by landlord prohibited.") 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 § 1531?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1531" (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 § 1531 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.