State-specific leases, notices, checklists, and addenda for a Pennsylvania rental. Legal notes last reviewed 2026-08-15. LeaseGen.io is not a law firm.
Short summaries of the rules that shape Pennsylvania leases, notices, and deposit papers on LeaseGen.io. Last reviewed 2026-08-15. Not legal advice.
Security deposits
Cap
2× rent
Return clock
30 days after the tenancy ends
During the first year a landlord may require no more than two months’ rent as a security deposit. From the second year on, only one month may be held. Any extra must be returned (68 P.S. § 250.511a). Unused deposit plus an itemized list is generally due within 30 days (§ 250.512). Deposits over $100 held into later years have escrow and interest rules.
To end a residential tenancy, written notice is generally 15 days if the lease is one year or less (or month-to-month) and 30 days if the term is longer than one year (68 P.S. § 250.501). A written lease can set a longer lawful period.
Pennsylvania does not prescribe a statewide 24-hour entry statute. Put a reasonable-notice entry clause in the lease. Emergency entry is customary.
A Pennsylvania rent increase should be in writing. Many landlords use at least the same notice they would use to end a month-to-month tenancy. To end a residential tenancy, written notice is generally 15 days if the lease is one year or less (or month-to-month) and 30 days if the term is longer than one year (68 P.S. § 250.501). A written lease can set a longer lawful period. The lease may require more. Local rent-control rules can cap the amount even when the notice period is met.
Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act uses 10-, 15-, or 30-day notices depending on the ground and the term. Philadelphia requires eviction diversion before many filings.
A 10-day notice is typical for nonpayment (68 P.S. § 250.501).
Pay-or-quit deadline: 10 days
Serve as the act and local court rules allow. Philadelphia has extra pre-filing steps.
Philadelphia’s eviction-diversion program and some local rules add steps before a filing.
These Pennsylvania cities often have rent-control, just-cause, or relocation rules on top of state law. Confirm the ordinance before you raise rent or decline to renew.