As a real estate investor, protecting your property is essential, and the foundation of that protection begins with a comprehensive lease agreement. Whether your property is residential or commercial, having an attorney draft your lease ensures it includes the proper clauses to safeguard your rights. For residential landlords, this means having legal provisions in place to address potential issues such as tenant defaults, evictions, or court proceedings.One of the most effective protections for landlords in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the ability to utilize Magistrate Court for landlord-tenant disputes. This court system is specifically designed for claims under $12,000 and offers a faster resolution process compared to the Court of Common Pleas, which can take months. If a tenant breaches their lease and you’ve issued the required notice to quit, you can file a complaint in Magistrate Court. Within days, you’ll have a hearing where the judge can rule on matters such as back rent, eviction, or recovery of your property.But what happens if you win a judgment, and the tenant still doesn’t pay? In Pennsylvania, landlords can file a writ of attachment in the Court of Common Pleas. This legal tool allows landlords to recover unpaid rent or damages by attaching the tenant’s wages, bank accounts, or other assets. While this process requires additional steps, it is an effective way to ensure landlords are compensated for any losses.Checklist for Pennsylvania Landlords:To maintain a strong landlord-tenant relationship and protect your investment, focus on these critical steps: Drafting a strong lease: Ensure your lease includes clauses that protect your rights and outline tenant obligations. Understanding notice-to-quit rules: Properly serve tenants with eviction notices that comply with Pennsylvania law. Navigating Magistrate Court: Take advantage of this expedited process for landlord-tenant disputes under $12,000. Utilizing writs of attachment: Recover unpaid rent or damages by filing claims against tenant assets when necessary.At Gross McGinley, our attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law and can guide you through every step of the process—from drafting leases to handling evictions and recovering damages. If you have questions about protecting your investment, contact Michael S. Horvath or your Gross McGinley attorney today.