Cal. Civ. Code § 250.401
Tenant's Exemption; Appraisement
Operative Text
Unless the right of exemption has been waived by the tenant in writing, personal property to the value of three hundred dollars ($300), in addition to any other personal property specifically exempted by this article, shall be exempt from levy and sale by distress for rent. The officer charged with the execution of any landlord's warrant shall, if requested by the tenant, summon two disinterested and competent persons, who shall be sworn or affirmed by such officer to appraise personal property, including bank notes, money, stocks, judgments or other indebtedness due the tenant, to the value of three hundred dollars ($300), which the tenant may elect to retain, and the property so elected and appraised shall be exempt from levy and sale in such distress proceedings. Each appraiser shall be entitled to receive two dollars ($2.00) for his services.
Under 68 P.S. § 250.401, Pennsylvania law shields up to $300 worth of a tenant's personal property from being seized and sold through a landlord's distress-for-rent proceeding. This exemption covers a broad range of personal assets, including bank notes, money, stocks, judgments, and other debts owed to the tenant. The protection applies automatically unless the tenant has voluntarily waived it in writing, and an appraisal process is available to formally identify which property is protected.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Pennsylvania law should be aware that 68 P.S. § 250.401 limits what personal property can be reached through a distress-for-rent action. Compliant operators generally confirm whether a tenant has waived the exemption in writing before proceeding, and they ensure that any officer executing a landlord's warrant follows the appraisal procedure when the tenant requests it. The two appraisers summoned in that process are each entitled to a $2.00 fee for their services, which is a fixed statutory amount.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 68 P.S. § 250.401, Pennsylvania tenants have the right to protect up to $300 worth of personal property—including money, bank notes, and stocks—from seizure in a landlord's distress proceeding, provided this right has not been waived in writing. If a landlord's warrant is being executed, a tenant can request that the officer summon two impartial appraisers to formally identify and value the property the tenant wishes to keep. Tenants who believe this exemption is being disregarded may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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