The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, your right to get personal belongings after a sheriff-related lockout or “padlock” situation depends on why the sheriff is involved (for example, a post-sheriff’s sale possession matter versus another type of removal). In some post-sheriff’s sale situations involving a property certified as vacant and abandoned, state law gives a former owner a short window to claim and retrieve personal property before it may be disposed of.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

When the issue arises after a sheriff’s sale and the property is treated as vacant/abandoned, Pennsylvania law addresses how remaining personal property must be handled and what notice must be posted. The law focuses on notice, time windows to communicate intent to retrieve, and when the purchaser may store or dispose of items.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 68 Pa.C.S. § 2307.

This statute establishes that, in covered post-sheriff’s sale situations, a posted personal property removal notice must inform the former owner that they generally have 10 days to notify the purchaser they will retrieve the property, and if they do, the property must be retained for a period (commonly 30 days) before disposal.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides a general framework, applying it to your situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Under 68 Pa.C.S. § 2307, the notice process can trigger short time periods (including a 10-day window to communicate intent to retrieve), and missing them can risk loss of property.
• Burden of Proof: Disputes often turn on what notice was posted/served, whether the property was treated as vacant/abandoned, and what items were left—facts that may need documentation and witness support.
• Exceptions: “Sheriff padlock notice” can be used in different contexts. Your rights can change depending on whether this is tied to a sheriff’s sale, an eviction, or another court order—and the wrong assumption can lead to denied access or allegations of trespass.

If you need access quickly or believe property is being wrongfully withheld or disposed of, an attorney can evaluate which legal process applies and communicate with the purchaser/landlord/sheriff to protect your rights.

For additional Pennsylvania probate-related reading on disputes over personal property, you may find this helpful: getting back estate personal property and enforcing an Orphans’ Court order.

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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.