7312 - Stay of eviction or distress during military service.
§ 7312. Stay of eviction or distress during military service. (a) General rule.--Whenever any member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States shall be called or ordered to active duty, other than active duty for training, or, in the case of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, shall be called or ordered to active State duty, no eviction or distress shall be made of premises occupied chiefly for dwelling purposes by the member or any member of his family or other dependents, except upon leave of court granted upon application therefor or granted in an action or proceeding affecting the right of possession. (b) Stay of proceedings.--On any such application or in any action brought pursuant to subsection (a), the court may, in its own discretion, on its own motion, and shall, on application of the member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, any member of his family or dependent, stay the proceedings for six months unless, in the opinion of the court, the ability of the tenant to pay the agreed rent is not materially affected by reason of the military service. The court may make such other order as may be just under the circumstances, including an order temporarily adjusting the rental payments. (c) Impacts on landlords.--When a stay of eviction is granted or other order is made by the court, the owner of the premises shall be entitled, upon application therefor, to such relief as the court may determine just and equitable under the circumstances, including an order for the member to pay the arrearage in rent upon release from military duty to the extent and for such period as may appear to the court to be just. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.700, No.174, eff. imd.) 1990 Amendment. Act 174 added section 7312, retroactive to August 1, 1990.