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Pennsylvania Security Deposit Limits
Maximum deposit: 2 months' rent for the first year; 1 month's rent after the first year of tenancy.
Statute: 68 Pa. Stat. §§ 250.511a–250.512
Full text: Read the law
Return Deadline & Requirements
Landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant moves out. Must provide a written list of damages and charges.
Itemized Statement Required: Required. Landlord must provide a written list of any damages to the property, and the estimated or actual cost of repairs. Must be sent by mail to the tenant's last known address.
Move-Out Inspection
No statutory right to pre-move-out inspection.
Allowed & Prohibited Deductions
What Landlords CAN Deduct
- Unpaid rent
- Damages beyond normal wear and tear
- Breach of lease costs
What Landlords CANNOT Deduct
- Normal wear and tear
- Deductions without written itemization
Penalties for Violations
Landlord Penalties: If landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized list within 30 days, tenant can recover 2x the deposit amount.
Where to file: Magisterial District Court (up to $12,000)
Interest Requirements
Required after the second year of the lease for deposits held in escrow. Tenant is entitled to interest minus 1% retained by the landlord as administrative fee.
How to Get Your Pennsylvania Security Deposit Back
If your landlord is withholding your deposit wrongfully, here's what to do:
- Document everything at move-out — Take photos and video of the unit's condition. Do a walkthrough if your state allows it.
- Provide your forwarding address in writing — Many states don't start the return clock until you provide this.
- Wait for the deadline to pass — Give your landlord the full 30 days required by law.
- Send a demand letter — If the deadline passes without your deposit, send a formal demand letter citing 68 Pa. Stat. §§ 250.511a–250.512.
- File in court — If the demand letter doesn't work, file in Magisterial District Court (up to $12,000). You may recover additional penalties.
Get Your Security Deposit Back
Create a free demand letter for your Pennsylvania security deposit dispute. Cites PA law automatically.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a Pennsylvania landlord have to return a security deposit?
30 days after the lease ends and the tenant vacates. The landlord must also provide a written itemized list of any deductions.
What is the security deposit limit in Pennsylvania?
2 months' rent during the first year of tenancy. After the first year, the landlord can only hold 1 month's rent. Any excess must be returned.
What penalty does a PA landlord face for not returning the deposit?
If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized list within 30 days, the tenant can recover double the amount of the deposit in court.
Does my Pennsylvania landlord have to pay interest?
Yes, after the second year of the lease. The deposit must be held in an escrow account, and the tenant receives the interest minus a 1% administrative fee retained by the landlord.
More Resources: All State Guides | Security Deposit Demand Letter Guide | Demand Letter Templates