Pennsylvania Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 12, 2017
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If you're new to Pennsylvania, you may be surprised to find that there aren't as many landlord-tenant laws here as there are in other states. However, in addition to the terms of your lease, and federal and local law, there are a number of state laws designed to guide the landlord-tenant relationship. Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania tenant rights laws.
Tenant Rights: Security Deposits, Lease Terminations, and More
In addition to state and federal laws protecting you against discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, or national origin, Pennsylvania has strict guidelines for handling security deposits. For example, your landlord may not charge you more than the equivalent of two months' rent for the first year of your lease, and not more than one months' rent for subsequent years.
Your landlord is also required to give you proper notice before deciding not to renew your lease, or to evict you for failing to pay rent or breaking your lease agreement. And during your tenancy, you have a right to safe and sanitary conditions under the implied warranty of habitability. Finally, it is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you, for example by raising your rent or threatening to evict you, simply because you exercised a tenant right or complained to a government agency.
Pennsylvania Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance
The chart below provides a summary of Pennsylvania state laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, including links to important code sections.
Statutes |
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Security Deposits |
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Paying Rent |
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Living Conditions |
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Discrimination |
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Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
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Retaliation |
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Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Pennsylvania Tenant Rights Laws: Related Resources
- Pennsylvania Lease and Rental Agreement Laws
- Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection
- Tenant Lease Agreement FAQs
- Tenants' Rights Basics
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Fair Housing
Receive a Free Review of Your Rental Woes
In Pennsylvania, it can be difficult to know exactly what your rights are, especially given all of the federal, state, local, and case law. But these laws are designed to protect you as a renter, and you shouldn't have to put up with substandard living or unfair treatment by your landlord. Receive a free case review today to better understand your Pennsylvania tenant rights and how best to move forward.
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