Episode 165: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Pennsylvania

Summary

Today’s location-specific episode features Pennsylvania.  We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act.  Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions: 

1) What are the basics of the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act,

2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?,

3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in Pennsylvania,

4) Where to get help in your local area in Pennsylvania. 

Then I’ll go through what I call my “Bingo Card” of standard items I see most often in tenancy laws in different locations. 

This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!

This episode includes resources for Pennsylvania including:

• Act of Apr. 6, 1951,P.L. 69, No. 20 Cl. 68 - THE LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT OF 1951

• Know Your Rights as a Pennsylvania Renter | Tenants' Rights

• Know-Your-Rights-as-a-Renter-in-PA-English_2023_DIGITAL.pdf

• Back to Basics: Landlord Tenant Law - Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®

• Understanding Landlord/Tenant Law in Pennsylvania : Housing, Landlord/Tenant Rights : Legal Topics : What We Do : North Penn Legal Services

• Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Laws (2025): Renter's Rights & FAQs

• Act of Jul. 5, 2012,P.L. 1091, No. 129 Cl. 68 - LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT OF 1951 - DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED PERSONAL PROPERTY

• Homepage | Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

Listen to the full episode :

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This Week’s Blog Post:

Starting with Pennsylvania’s Landlord-Tenant Act

Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, we’re exploring tenancy laws in Pennsylvania. As with all my location-specific episodes, I answer the same four questions: What are the basics of the tenancy laws? What makes this location unique? How should landlords handle abandoned items? And finally, where can landlords go for help? The framework here comes from the Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act of 1951 and supporting documents, plus resources like the Housing Equality Center and Pennsylvania Legal Aid.

Protected Classes and Fair Housing Nuances

One of the first things that stood out in Pennsylvania is the addition of two protected classes under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act—people over 40, and handlers or trainers of assistance animals. That’s in addition to the federal protections already in place. Pennsylvania also provides detailed sample letters for reasonable accommodation and modification requests, such as adding ramps or installing handrails. These tools are written in fact-based, rational language, which makes them useful for both tenants and landlords navigating housing discrimination or accessibility issues.

Security Deposits, Rent, and Habitability

Pennsylvania law has strict limits on security deposits. During the first year, landlords may not charge more than two months’ rent, which can include last month’s rent. After the first year, deposits are capped at one month’s rent. Deposits over $100 must be placed in a separate account, and after the second year, landlords must pay interest (minus a 1% administrative fee). Landlords have 30 days after move-out to return deposits or provide an itemized list of damages, and failure to do so can result in liability for double the amount. Habitability is clearly defined, covering heat, water, locks, pests, and structural safety. Tenants cannot waive their right to a livable home.

Evictions and Abandoned Property

Evictions in Pennsylvania follow specific timelines. For leases of one year or less, landlords must give 15 days’ notice for a violation; for leases longer than one year, 30 days’ notice is required. Illegal drug activity requires only 10 days’ notice. If tenants leave property behind, they must notify the landlord within 10 days of eviction to reclaim their belongings, and then they have 30 days to retrieve them. Landlords may charge storage fees after 10 days, making it critical for tenants and landlords alike to act quickly.

Where to Get Help in Pennsylvania

Landlords have many resources to turn to in Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, the Housing Equality Center, and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors’ legal hotline (for members). Tenants and landlords can also dial 211 for immediate housing-related support. Pennsylvania provides an impressive set of tools, sample letters, and checklists to guide both sides of a tenancy.

I recorded this episode in Desolation Sound, British Columbia, on my boat. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? Join me in Episode 166, where we dive into tenancy laws in Alberta. See you there!