Security Deposit Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania limits security deposits to two months' rent in the first year of a lease and one month's rent afterward, requires return with an itemized damage list within 30 days, and has no statute setting notice for landlord entry.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Pennsylvania at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 2 months' rent
- 2 months' rent in first year; 1 month's rent from the second year
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days
- 30 days after lease termination or surrender and acceptance
- Interest on deposits
- Required in some cases
- State law requires interest only in some situations, for example above a unit count or holding period
- Notice before landlord entry
- No statutory period
- No statute specifies notice
The rules in Pennsylvania
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania limits security deposits to 2 months' rent in first year; 1 month's rent from the second year.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania rule: 30 days after lease termination or surrender and acceptance.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
Only in some cases. Pennsylvania law requires interest only in certain situations, for example above a number of units or after the deposit is held for a set time. Check the statute for the details.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.
Where do the Pennsylvania rules for residential leases come from?
They come from 68 P.S. 250.511a, 68 P.S. 250.511b and 68 P.S. 250.512. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Pennsylvania compares
Pennsylvania is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 30-day return deadline is the same as the most common deadline of 30 days; 15 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.