Last updated: April 2026
Pennsylvania has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's prohibited by state law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 provides protections on deposits and the eviction process, though habitability protections are thinner than in many states. Philadelphia has additional tenant protections under local ordinances.
Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.
Even without rent control, Pennsylvania law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:
Security deposits are capped at 2 months' rent for the first year, then 1 month thereafter. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Failure can result in double damages plus attorney's fees (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.512).
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 15 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy. After one year, the required notice increases to 30 days (68 Pa. C.S. § 250.501).
Pennsylvania recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Tenants may withhold rent after proper notice if landlords refuse to make essential repairs. Philadelphia tenants have additional remedies under the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations or exercising legal rights. Retaliatory eviction is a recognized defense in Pennsylvania courts.
Philadelphia has additional protections beyond state law, including the Good Cause Eviction Standard requiring landlords to have cause before refusing to renew a lease, and a landlord-tenant hotline (215-686-1251).
These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Pennsylvania renters:
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