Pennsylvania Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act (68 Pa. Stat. § 250.101 et seq.) caps deposits at 2 months' rent for the first two years and 1 month thereafter. No statewide advance entry notice is required. Tenants may not repair-and-deduct but can use the Rent Withholding Act (35 P.S. § 1700-1) to escrow rent for serious habitability failures.
Security Deposit Max
2 months's rent
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
Not required
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
2 months (first 2 years); 1 month thereafter — 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.511a
Protection Exists
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Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out with itemized deductions
Protection Exists
⚠️
Entry Notice Required
No statewide statute — reasonable notice expected
Limited Protection
❌
Rent Control
No statewide law; preempted in most jurisdictions
No Protection
❌
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed — rent withholding via Rent Withholding Act (35 P.S. § 1700-1)
No Protection
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required statewide (Philadelphia has local protections)
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.205
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Pennsylvania tenant rights🔍 PA security deposit law🔍 Pennsylvania eviction process🔍 Pennsylvania rent withholding