Tenant Rights in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Last updated: April 2026

Scranton renters are governed by Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, which caps security deposits, requires written notice before eviction, and recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. There is no local rent control, and Pennsylvania state law prohibits cities from enacting it.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: No — Pennsylvania state law bans rent control statewide.
Security Deposit: Capped at 2 months' rent (first year), then 1 month thereafter; returned within 30 days with itemized statement (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512).
Notice to Vacate: 15 days' written notice for month-to-month tenancies; 30 days after one year (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501).
Just Cause Eviction: Not required — landlords may end a tenancy without cause with proper notice.
Local Resources: Northeastern Pennsylvania Legal Services (nepls.org), Scranton Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Scranton

Scranton, the seat of Lackawanna County in Northeastern Pennsylvania, has a largely working-class renter population and a mix of older housing stock. Like all Pennsylvania cities outside Philadelphia, Scranton operates under state landlord-tenant law with no additional local tenant protections. Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 governs security deposits, eviction procedures, and habitability obligations for all Scranton rentals.

2. Does Scranton Have Rent Control?

Scranton has no rent control, and Pennsylvania state law prohibits any municipality from enacting rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords in Scranton may raise rent by any amount, provided they give proper written notice before the change takes effect. Tenants on fixed-term leases are protected from rent increases until their lease term expires or they agree to an amendment in writing.

3. Pennsylvania State Tenant Protections That Apply in Scranton

Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 provides the following key protections for Scranton renters:

Security deposit cap: Landlords may charge up to 2 months' rent during the first year of a tenancy, and no more than 1 month's rent in subsequent years (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512).
Deposit return deadline: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Failure to comply can result in double damages plus attorney's fees.
Notice to terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 15 days' written notice. After one year of tenancy, the required notice increases to 30 days (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501).
Implied warranty of habitability: Pennsylvania recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Tenants may withhold rent after proper written notice if landlords refuse to make essential repairs.
Anti-retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations or exercising legal rights. Retaliatory eviction is a recognized defense in Pennsylvania courts.
Court-ordered eviction only: Landlords must obtain a court judgment through the magistrate district judge process before removing a tenant.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Scranton

Pennsylvania caps security deposits at 2 months' rent during the first year of a tenancy, and 1 month's rent in all subsequent years (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512). Your landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord fails to comply, you may sue to recover double the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees. Photograph your unit at move-in and move-out and send your forwarding address in writing to start the 30-day clock.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Scranton

In Scranton, a landlord must provide proper written notice and then file a complaint before a magistrate district judge before any tenant can be removed. For month-to-month tenancies, 15 days' notice is required (30 days after the first year); for nonpayment of rent, a 10-day notice to quit is standard before filing. If the magistrate rules in the landlord's favor, you have 10 days to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas. Only a constable or sheriff may carry out a physical removal after a court order is issued. Self-help eviction — locking you out or cutting utilities — is illegal and may entitle you to damages.

6. Resources for Scranton Tenants

Northeastern Pennsylvania Legal Services — free civil legal aid for low-income residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding areas.
MidPenn Legal Services — free legal aid for low-income residents of Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Scranton Housing Authority — local housing assistance and referrals for Scranton-area renters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Scranton have rent control?

No. Scranton has no rent control ordinance and Pennsylvania state law prohibits municipalities from enacting rent stabilization. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Scranton?

There is no limit. Pennsylvania has no rent control, so landlords may increase rent by any amount. Notice must be provided before the increase takes effect. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from increases until their lease expires.

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

30 days from your move-out date, along with a written itemized statement of deductions. If the landlord fails to comply, you may sue for double the withheld amount plus attorney's fees under 68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512.

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

For a month-to-month tenancy, at least 15 days' written notice is required; after one year of tenancy, at least 30 days (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501). For nonpayment of rent, a 10-day notice to quit is standard. A magistrate court judgment is always required before you can be removed.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Pennsylvania. A landlord who locks you out or shuts off utilities without a court order may be liable for damages. Contact Northeastern Pennsylvania Legal Services if this occurs.

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

Pennsylvania recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Send your landlord written notice of the needed repair and keep a copy. If they fail to act within a reasonable time, you may have grounds to withhold rent or seek other remedies. Consult Northeastern Pennsylvania Legal Services before taking action.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Scranton and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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Other Cities in Pennsylvania

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