1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (PDF) – Federal law requires the landlord to distribute this lead paint disclosure to tenants if the leased premises was constructed before 1978.^[1]

Maximum Amount ($) – For the first year of tenancy, the landlord may not charge more than two months’ rent. For every subsequent year, the amount can’t exceed one month’s rent.^[2]

Collecting Interest – The tenant is entitled to interest earned on the security deposit at the end of the third year of tenancy and each subsequent year.^[3]

Returning to Tenant – The security deposit must be returned to the tenant within 30 days from the lease termination date or when the tenant surrenders the property (whichever comes first).^[4]

Itemized List Required? – Yes, a list of damages must be provided to the tenant if the landlord keeps any of the security deposit.

Separate Bank Account? – Yes, any security deposits that exceed $100 must be kept in an escrow account.^[6]

General Access – No Pennsylvania statute mentions a notice period for landlord access, but tenants must give reasonable access for the landlord to do maintenance, repairs, and property showings.^[7] Landlords may utilize a notice to enter to prepare tenants for when access is needed.

Immediate Access – There are no laws that describe the circumstances under which the landlord may enter the property without notice.

Grace Period – No law requires a landlord to provide a grace period before charging a tenant late fees.

Maximum Late Fee ($) – Pennsylvania has no legislative limitations on late fees.

Withholding Rent – If the tenant proves that the property is not habitable, and following notification, the landlord hasn’t remedied the problem within a reasonable amount of time, the tenant may repair the problem and deduct the cost from the rent, or withhold rent until the premises is deemed habitable.^[8]

Non-Payment of Rent – The landlord may serve the tenant with a 10-day notice to quit to inform them that they must pay or quit if they fail to pay rent on time.^[9]

Non-Compliance – If the tenant breaches the terms of their lease, the landlord can serve a 15-day notice to quit if the lease is for one year or less, or a 30-day notice to quit for leases longer than one year.^[10]

Lockouts – The landlord must receive a court order before tenants can be locked out of the rental unit.^[11]

Leaving Before the End Date – Landlord remedies for tenant abandonment are not mentioned in the state statutes.

Month-to-Month Tenancy – Landlords and tenants may use a notice to terminate month-to-month tenancy to end the rental agreement. The party terminating the agreement must give at least 15 days’ notice.^[12]

Unclaimed Property – Landlords must provide tenants with a 10-day written notice to collect their personal property before it may be disposed of.^[13]