Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Pennsylvania landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 68). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Pennsylvania at a glance: Security deposit limit: 2 months' rent. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 68.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 2 months' rent
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Interest required
- Yes
The rule: Max 2 months' rent in the first year of a lease and 1 month in the second and later years. Within 30 days after the lease ends the landlord must send a written list of damages with the balance, or lose the right to withhold for damage and risk owing double; the tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. Interest is owed on deposits held more than two years (68 P.S. §§ 250.511a to 250.512).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a to 250.512
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 10 days notice
- Lease violation
- 15 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- No statutory requirement
- Maximum late fee
- No limit
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- Reasonable notice
Primary statute reference: Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 68
Sources
When to use Pennsylvania document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Pennsylvania landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Pennsylvania documents.
Common mistakes in Pennsylvania
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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In Pennsylvania the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max 2 months' rent in the first year of a lease and 1 month in the second and later years. Within 30 days after the lease ends the landlord must send a written list of damages with the balance, or lose the right to withhold for damage and risk owing double; the tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. Interest is owed on deposits held more than two years (68 P.S. §§ 250.511a to 250.512).
Confirm current rules in Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 68.
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Pennsylvania month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Pennsylvania lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Pennsylvania sources before relying on this information.
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