Pennsylvania Rental Laws
Your Pennsylvania Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.
Official Website of the State of Pennsylvania
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Pennsylvania was 12,787,209 on July 1, 2014, a 0.67% increase since the 2010 United States Census.
The State of Pennsylvania has 67 counties.
State Laws and Regulations
- Keys Laws Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
- Pennsylvania Residential Landlord and Tenant Code
- Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections:
- Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Handbook
Important Lease Terms
Security Deposits
- Amount: 2 Months during the 1st year, 1 month’s rent the following year
- Return Deadline: 30 Days
Fees and Notice:
- Applications Fees: No Restrictions
- Termination Notice: 15 Days
- Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes or repair and deduct
Landlord Disclosures:
- Pennsylvania Required Landlord Disclosures
- The Lead Disclosure Rule – Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive The Lead Based Paint EPA Disclosure and Lead Based Paint EPA Pamphlet
Real Estate Links:
- Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission
- Pennsylvania Verify Real Estate Agent License
- Verify RE Agent License Nationwide and Canada
Federal Government:
- Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act – Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Housing Act – The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children.
Credit Reports
Tenant Screening
- Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Counties Provided: Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York
Last Updated: April 16, 2020