Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Pennsylvania steps its deposit cap down over time: two months’ rent in the first year, one month after that, and deposits held over two years must earn interest for the tenant (68 P.S. § 250.511a–511b). Unpaid rent requires a 10-day notice to quit.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Pennsylvania?
A Pennsylvania landlord has 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant returns possession to refund the deposit or send an itemized list of damages.
| Maximum Deposit | Two months’ rent in year one; one month from year two |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | Yes, after two years, on deposits over $100 |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has no rent control and no cap on increases; the lease controls, and a month-to-month change follows the notice needed to end the tenancy.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Statute Reference | 68 P.S. § 250.501 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania eviction for unpaid rent begins with a 10-day notice to quit; other terminations need 15 or 30 days depending on the lease term.
| Non-Payment Notice | 10 days’ notice to quit |
| Lease Violation Notice | 15 days (lease under 1 year); 30 days (1 year or more) |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 15 days |
| Statute Reference | 68 P.S. § 250.501 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has no entry statute; the lease controls, and reasonable notice is expected.
| Notice Required | No statutory period; follow the lease |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
What Must a Pennsylvania Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania courts imply a warranty of habitability in residential leases, and tenants may repair and deduct or withhold rent for serious defects.
What Pennsylvania landlords must maintain
- • Keep the unit habitable under the implied warranty (Pugh v. Holmes)
- • Comply with local housing codes
What a Pennsylvania tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct reasonable costs
- • Withhold rent into escrow for a unit certified unfit (Rent Withholding Act)
| Repair & Deduct | Yes, recognized by the courts |
| Statute Reference | 35 P.S. § 1700-1 |