What are tenant rights in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania tenant rights are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. § 250.101 et seq.).

1. Security Deposit — Capped at 2 months' rent during the first year and 1 month in subsequent years (§ 250.511a). Deposits over $100 held more than 2 years must accrue interest. Landlord must return within 30 days with itemized list of damages (§ 250.512).

2. Habitability — Pugh v. Holmes, 405 A.2d 897 (Pa. 1979) established an implied warranty of habitability. Tenants may withhold rent in escrow, repair-and-deduct, or terminate the lease for material breaches.

3. Notice for Entry — No statutory requirement. Lease controls; reasonable notice is standard.

4. Eviction Notice — § 250.501 requires a 10-day notice for nonpayment, 15 days to end a tenancy of less than 1 year, and 30 days for 1+ year tenancies.

5. Eviction Process — Filed in Magisterial District Court. Tenant has 10 days to appeal to Court of Common Pleas after judgment.

6. Rent Control — Not prohibited statewide, but no Pennsylvania municipality currently enforces rent control. Philadelphia has Good Cause Eviction protections in some neighborhoods.

7. Discrimination — Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (43 P.S. § 953) prohibits discrimination on race, color, religion, ancestry, age (40+), sex, national origin, handicap, and use of guide dog. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh add sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income.

8. Utility Shutoff — § 250.501.1 prohibits landlord shutoff of utilities to force tenant out.

9. Retaliation — Common law recognizes retaliation defenses; some cities (Philadelphia) have explicit ordinances.

This is legal information, not legal advice.