Tenant Rights in Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Last updated: April 2026

Pennsylvania law governs all residential tenancies in Johnstown, Cambria County. There is no local rent control, but state protections set clear rules on security deposits, eviction notices, and habitability.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: No rent control. Pennsylvania prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.510).
Security Deposit: Capped at 2 months' rent (year 1), then 1 month. Landlord must return within 30 days of move-out with itemized statement (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512).
Notice to Vacate: 15 days' written notice for tenancies under 1 year; 30 days for 1 year or more (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501).
Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement. Landlords may decline to renew a lease for any lawful, non-discriminatory reason.
Local Resources: Laurel Legal Services (laurellegal.org), Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (palawhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Johnstown

Johnstown is a small city of approximately 18,000 residents in Cambria County, western Pennsylvania. Once a major steel-producing city, Johnstown today has a rental market shaped by lower incomes and older housing stock. Pennsylvania law preempts local rent control under 68 Pa. C.S. § 250.510, meaning there is no local rent ordinance. Tenants are protected by the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act, which sets rules on deposits, eviction procedures, and habitability.

Laurel Legal Services serves Cambria County and provides free legal assistance to income-eligible tenants facing eviction or deposit disputes. The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network also maintains a statewide referral directory at palawhelp.org.

2. Does Johnstown Have Rent Control?

Johnstown has no rent control. Pennsylvania state law at 68 Pa. C.S. § 250.510 prohibits cities and municipalities from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal with proper advance written notice.

3. Pennsylvania State Tenant Protections That Apply in Johnstown

Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act governs tenancies in Johnstown:

Security deposit cap: Up to 2 months' rent in year one; 1 month in subsequent years (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.511a).
Deposit return: Landlord must return the deposit with itemized deductions within 30 days of move-out. Failure entitles you to double the withheld amount plus attorney's fees (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512).
Notice to terminate: 15 days for tenancies under 1 year; 30 days for 1 year or more (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501). For nonpayment, 10-day notice to quit is required before filing.
Implied warranty of habitability: Landlords must maintain livable premises. Tenants may seek court remedies after written notice of serious defects.
Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot evict or raise rent in retaliation for a tenant reporting code violations or asserting legal rights.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Johnstown

In Johnstown, the security deposit cap is 2 months' rent in the first year and 1 month thereafter (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.511a). If you have rented for more than a year and originally paid 2 months, your landlord must refund the excess within 30 days of your anniversary.

After move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return your deposit with an itemized list of deductions (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512). If they fail to do so, you are entitled to double the amount withheld plus attorney's fees. Photograph your rental's condition at move-in and move-out to protect yourself against disputed charges.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Johnstown

In Johnstown, landlords must serve a written notice to quit before filing for eviction — 10 days for nonpayment of rent, or 15 to 30 days for non-renewal depending on tenancy length (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501). After the notice period, the landlord files in Cambria County Magisterial District Court and you receive a hearing date.

Pennsylvania prohibits self-help eviction. Landlords who change locks, remove belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out face civil liability. The Cambria County Sheriff enforces eviction orders only after a court judgment.

6. Resources for Johnstown Tenants

Laurel Legal Services: Free civil legal help for income-eligible residents of Cambria and surrounding counties — laurellegal.org
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: Statewide referral directory for free and low-cost legal services — palawhelp.org
Cambria County Court of Common Pleas: Landlord-tenant filings and eviction matters — cambriacountypa.gov
Pennsylvania Attorney General: Landlord-tenant rights information — attorneygeneral.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Johnstown have rent control?

No. Pennsylvania law at 68 Pa. C.S. § 250.510 prohibits all local rent control ordinances. Landlords in Johnstown may raise rent at lease renewal by any amount with proper written notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Johnstown?

There is no cap on rent increases in Johnstown. Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control. Your landlord must give appropriate advance notice before any rent increase takes effect.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Johnstown?

Within 30 days of move-out, with a written itemized deduction statement (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512). If the deadline is missed, you are entitled to double the amount withheld plus attorney's fees.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Johnstown?

15 days' written notice for tenancies under 1 year; 30 days for 1 year or more (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501). For nonpayment of rent, a 10-day notice to quit is the required first step.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Johnstown?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Pennsylvania. If your landlord locks you out or shuts off utilities without a court order, they face civil liability. Contact Laurel Legal Services at laurellegal.org for immediate assistance.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Johnstown?

Pennsylvania's implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. Send a written repair request, keep a copy, and document the problem. If serious defects persist, you may seek court-ordered repairs or a rent reduction. Contact Laurel Legal Services for guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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Other Cities in Pennsylvania

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