The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, there is not a single, universal “X days” rule that automatically gives a deceased person’s family the right to keep accessing your property to sort and remove belongings—especially where there was no lease and no rent. In most situations, the key issue is who has legal authority over the decedent’s personal property (usually the estate’s personal representative), and whether you risk liability if you dispose of items before the estate has a fair opportunity to claim them.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Under Pennsylvania probate law, the decedent’s personal property is generally controlled by the estate’s personal representative (executor/administrator), not automatically by individual family members. That matters because allowing access to “heirs” who are not authorized by the estate can create disputes, and disposing of property too quickly can trigger claims that you interfered with estate assets.

The Statute

The primary law governing who controls a decedent’s personal property is 20 Pa.C.S. a7 301.

This statute establishes that legal title to a decedent’s personal estate passes at death to the personal representative (if any), as of the date of death.

Relatedly, Pennsylvania law also gives the personal representative the right to take possession of and administer the decedent’s estate property during administration. See 20 Pa.C.S. a7 3311.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statutes above explain who has authority, applying them to a “belongings left on my property” situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Authority and access: If no executor/administrator has been appointed yet, it may be unclear who can lawfully enter, remove items, or sign agreements—creating risk if you hand property over to the wrong person.
• Burden of proof: If a dispute arises later, you may need to show what was left, what you allowed, what was removed, and what was disposed of—especially if someone claims valuables were lost.
• Compensation and reimbursement: Whether you can recover cleanup/storage/disposal costs may depend on how the situation is documented and whether the estate is treated as owing expenses, versus a private dispute with family members.

Trying to handle this informally can escalate quickly into allegations of conversion (wrongful taking), trespass disputes, or estate litigation—particularly when multiple heirs disagree. A Pennsylvania probate attorney can help you set legally defensible boundaries, communicate with the proper estate representative, and reduce your exposure before anything is removed or discarded.

If you want more background on Pennsylvania estate administration issues, you may also find this helpful: How do I transfer a deceased spouses property without a will in Pennsylvania?

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.