Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Pennsylvania quirk
Deposit cap drops to 1 month at the start of year 2 (excess must be returned). Missing the 30-day return deadline forfeits the withholding right and risks double damages (§ 250.512).
Pennsylvania landlord law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
Up to two months' rent during the first year of the lease, dropping to a maximum of one month's rent at the start of the second year — the landlord must return anything over one month's rent at that point (68 P.S. § 250.511a).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
30 days after the lease ends, once the tenant provides a forwarding address, with an itemized list of any damage deductions (68 P.S. § 250.512). Missing the deadline forfeits the right to withhold and can expose the landlord to double the amount wrongfully withheld.
Does Pennsylvania require interest on security deposits?
Yes, but only after two years: once a deposit has been held past its second anniversary, amounts over $100 must sit in an interest-bearing account, and the landlord pays the tenant the interest each year, keeping a 1% administrative fee (68 P.S. § 250.511b).
What is the maximum late fee for rent in Pennsylvania?
There is no statewide statutory cap; the fee must be in the lease and reasonable. Philadelphia has a separate local cap and grace-period rule, so check local ordinances there.
Does a Pennsylvania landlord have to give notice before entering?
No statewide statute requires it; entry is governed by the lease and the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment. Reasonable advance notice is best practice.
What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?
$12,000 in magisterial district court (42 Pa.C.S. § 1515), exclusive of interest and costs. Pennsylvania has no separate small-claims division — MDJs (or Philadelphia Municipal Court) hear these cases.
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Pennsylvania?
No statewide cap — must be in the lease and reasonable (Philadelphia caps fees locally). Grace period: None statutory statewide (Philadelphia requires one locally). Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Pennsylvania?
2 months (year 1) / 1 month (after year 1). The deposit must be returned within 30 days (after lease end + forwarding address) after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Pennsylvania?
None statutorily required (lease + quiet enjoyment govern).
Is there rent control in Pennsylvania?
Prohibited.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-02. Deposit statute: 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a–250.512. Late fee statute: None — statewide statutory silence; Philadelphia has a local cap and grace-period ordinance.
- 68 P.S. § 250.511a (deposit limits)
- 68 P.S. § 250.511b (escrow/interest after 2 years)
- 68 P.S. § 250.512 (return / double damages)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 (MDJ jurisdiction)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.