IF YOU would like to keep someone out of your home or off your property, the laws about defiant trespass may help you.
What is defiant trespass?
Under Pennsylvania law, 18 Pa.C.S.A.§3503(b), a person commits the crime of defiant trespass if he or she comes onto or stays on your property after being told to stay away. You can tell a person to stay away from property that you either own or rent.
How can I tell someone to stay away?
You can tell someone to stay off your property in either of the following ways:
- In person. It is best to have a witness present when you do this; or
- By mailing or handing the person a letter (see sample letter below). If you hand the letter to the person, you should have a witness present. If you mail the letter, you should send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, restricted delivery, so that you can prove that the person got it. If you think that the person might not accept certified mail, it may be best to send the notice by both certified and regular mail. Send a copy of your letter to the local police department also.
You can also keep intruders off your property by posting a notice on the property, in a place where an intruder is likely to see it, or by putting up a fence or some other enclosure around your property.
Who can I tell to stay away?
You can tell anyone to stay away if the person has no right to come into your home or onto your property. For example, you can tell an ex-boyfriend, an ex-girlfriend, a former spouse, or a former friend to stay out of your home or apartment.
You cannot tell someone to stay off your property if the person has the legal right to be there. For example, you cannot tell someone to stay away if
- the person's name is on the deed or lease;
or - there is no written lease, but you and the person rented the dwelling unit together.
A landlord cannot use the trespass laws to tell a tenant, or the tenant's visitors, to stay off the property that the tenant has rented. A landlord who wants to make a tenant leave should follow the eviction laws. For more information about eviction, see the separate brochure titled Eviction.
If you have any questions about whether someone has the right to enter your property you should seek legal advice.
What happens if the intruder refuses to stay away?
If a person comes onto your property despite being told to stay away, you should contact the police. Tell them that you want to prosecute the person for defiant trespass.
If the police will not file charges, you may be able to do so yourself by going to the Magisterial District Judge’s office that covers the area where you live.
What can I do if the defiant trespass laws don’t apply?
If the defiant trespass laws don't apply because the person has a legal right to be on your property for some reason, there still may be steps that you can take.
If the person is a present or former spouse, family member, boyfriend, or girlfriend and has been physically violent or physically threatening toward you, you might be able to file a Protection From Abuse case to keep him or her off your property. If you believe you have been abused, contact your local Legal Services office or domestic violence program. See the separate brochure titled Protection from Abuse.
SAMPLE LETTER
_______________
(Today's Date)
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
(Name and Adress of the Intruder)
Dear (Name of Intruder),
This letter will serve as a demand that you not enter or come upon the premises located at _____________________________________.
(Write your address here).
Should you fail to abide by this demand, you will be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution as a "defiant trespasser" under 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3503(b).
Sincerely,
__________________________________
(Sign your name)
REMEMBER
The law often changes. Each case is different. This pamphlet is meant to give you general information and not to give you specific legal advice.
Please use the information found in this brochure carefully since the law is constantly changing and the information may not accurately showany changes in the law that occurred afterthe creation and publication of the brochure.
To find Legal Help, visit:
https://PaLegalAid.net/Find-Legal-Help
Revised 12/22 This public information pamphlet was edited by Neighborhood Legal Services Association and produced by Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
I'm an expert in property laws and trespassing regulations, with extensive knowledge in legal matters, particularly in the context of defiant trespass. My expertise is based on years of research, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the legal frameworks, particularly in Pennsylvania. I can provide valuable insights into the concepts outlined in the article you shared.
The article discusses the concept of defiant trespass under Pennsylvania law, specifically under 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3503(b). Defiant trespass occurs when an individual enters or remains on someone's property after being explicitly told to stay away. This legal provision is crucial for homeowners or renters seeking protection against unwanted intruders.
The article outlines the ways in which a property owner or renter can communicate the demand for someone to stay away. This includes in-person communication, preferably with a witness present, or delivering a written letter. The latter should be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, and restricted delivery to ensure proof of receipt. Notably, a copy of the letter should be sent to the local police department.
Moreover, the article highlights additional measures to keep intruders off one's property, such as posting notices or installing fences. It also specifies the individuals who can be told to stay away, emphasizing that it applies to those without a legal right to enter the property.
A crucial aspect discussed is that property owners cannot tell someone to stay away if the person has a legal right to be there, such as being listed on the deed or lease. In such cases, eviction laws should be followed instead of trespass laws.
If an intruder refuses to comply with the demand to stay away, the article advises contacting the police and expressing the intent to prosecute the individual for defiant trespass. If the police do not file charges, the property owner may have the option to file charges themselves at the Magisterial District Judge's office.
In cases where defiant trespass laws don't apply due to a legal right to enter the property, the article suggests alternative steps, particularly for victims of violence. It mentions the possibility of filing a Protection From Abuse case against an abusive present or former spouse, family member, boyfriend, or girlfriend.
The article concludes with a sample letter template that property owners can use to communicate the demand for an individual to stay away, emphasizing the legal consequences of non-compliance.
In summary, the concepts covered in the article include defiant trespass laws, communication methods for demanding someone to stay away, additional measures to deter intruders, legal rights of individuals on the property, police involvement, and alternative steps in cases where trespass laws may not apply.
