Cal. Civ. Code § 398.14
Restraining Prohibited Acts
Operative Text
Whenever the Attorney General or a District Attorney has reason to believe that any person is using or is about to use any method, act or practice declared by this act to be prohibited, and that proceedings would be in the public interest, he may bring an action in the name of the Commonwealth against such person to restrain by temporary or permanent injunction the use of such method, act or practice.
Under 68 P.S. § 398.14, Pennsylvania's Attorney General or any county District Attorney is empowered to seek a court order — either temporary or permanent — to stop a person from engaging in rental practices that are prohibited under the act. The action is brought in the name of the Commonwealth, meaning it is a government enforcement action rather than a private lawsuit. The authority to act is triggered when the official has reason to believe a prohibited method, act, or practice is being used or is about to be used, and that stopping it serves the public interest.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Pennsylvania should be aware that 68 P.S. § 398.14 gives both the Attorney General and local District Attorneys the authority to pursue injunctive relief — not just fines — against those who engage in prohibited rental practices. A compliant operator generally ensures that all rental practices, lease terms, and tenant interactions conform to the act's requirements, since government enforcement can result in a court order compelling an immediate halt to any flagged conduct. Because injunctions can be sought before a violation is fully carried out, operators typically review their practices proactively rather than waiting for a complaint to arise.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants who believe a landlord is engaging in practices prohibited under Pennsylvania's rental law should know that 68 P.S. § 398.14 provides a government-level enforcement mechanism: the state Attorney General or the local District Attorney can go to court to stop such conduct on behalf of the public. This means that even if an individual tenant does not file a private lawsuit, government officials may independently investigate and seek an injunction against a landlord's prohibited behavior. Tenants can report suspected violations to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office or their county District Attorney, and may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand what options are available to them.
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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