Not legal advice. This site is a general reference for landlords. Laws change, and local rules, lease terms, and individual facts matter. Always check the official source linked on each fact, and talk to a licensed attorney in your state before you act.

Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law

2 of 7 topics verified

Local rules also apply in: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

Quick facts

TopicAt a glance
Security deposit limitUp to 2 months' rent in the first lease year.
Deposit return deadlineWritten list of damages plus the remaining deposit (with any unpaid interest) within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrender…
Notice to enterNot yet verified
Rent increase noticeNot yet verified
Late feesNot yet verified
Eviction notice (nonpayment)Not yet verified
Rent control / state preemptionNot yet verified

Details & sources

Security deposit limit

Up to 2 months' rent in the first lease year. From the second year on, and on renewal, no more than 1 month's rent.

Verified Source: 68 P.S. § 250.511a (Landlord and Tenant Act § 511.1) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Deposit return deadline

Written list of damages plus the remaining deposit (with any unpaid interest) within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises. Missing the list forfeits the right to withhold.

Verified Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act § 512) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Notice to enter

Not yet verified

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Rent increase notice

Not yet verified

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Late fees

Not yet verified

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Eviction notice (nonpayment)

Not yet verified

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Rent control / state preemption

Not yet verified

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Cities in Pennsylvania with their own rules

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