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Pennsylvania Tenant Rights

Pennsylvania Tenant Rights

Pennsylvania Tenant Rights: Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

As a renter, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. In Pennsylvania, there are specific laws that protect tenants and landlords alike. Here is everything you need to know about Pennsylvania tenant rights.

1. Security Deposits

When renting a property in Pennsylvania, landlords may require a security deposit that is equal to one month’s rent. The purpose of a security deposit is to protect the landlord in case of any damages or unpaid bills after the tenant moves out. According to Pennsylvania law, the landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out.

If the landlord finds any damages that exceed normal wear and tear, they can deduct the cost from the security deposit. However, the landlord must provide an itemized list of the damages and the estimated cost of repair.

2. Right to Privacy

Tenants have the right to privacy in their rented property. The landlord cannot enter the property without giving notice to the tenant. The notice must be reasonable, generally 24 hours in advance unless in an emergency. Additionally, the landlord may not unlawfully harass, intimidate, or threaten a tenant.

3. Rent Increases

Pennsylvania law does not limit how much a landlord can raise the rent. However, if the landlord plans to increase the rent, they must give tenants a written notice at least 30 days before the increase goes into effect. This gives tenants enough time to decide whether to stay or move out of the property.

If tenants disagree with the rent increase, they have the right to negotiate with the landlord or move out of the property.

4. Lease Termination

Tenants have the right to terminate their lease agreement by giving written notice to their landlord. The notice typically has to be 30 days before moving out, but it can be longer if specified in the lease agreement. If a tenant terminates their lease agreement before the term has ended, the tenant is typically required to pay a fee, usually equal to one month’s rent.

5. Eviction

In Pennsylvania, a landlord cannot evict a tenant without a court order. The landlord must file a complaint with the local court and give the tenant a notice to quit. Once served, the tenant has ten days to respond to the complaint or face eviction. If the tenant responds, a hearing is scheduled, and they may get to present their side of the story to a judge.

If a judge agrees with the landlord, the court will issue a writ of possession. The writ of possession allows the landlord to legally remove the tenant from the property. Evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic are subject to new rules and regulations.

6. Discrimination

Under Pennsylvania law, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation. Landlords who engage in discriminatory practices can face legal consequences.

7. Inhabitability of Property

Landlords are required to provide habitable living conditions. This means that the property must have functioning electricity, plumbing, and heating systems. If a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, the tenant can file a complaint with the appropriate government agency.

The local code enforcement agency will inspect the property and may force the landlord to make necessary repairs. In some cases, the tenant may even be allowed to withhold rent until the repairs are made.

8. Lease Disclosures

Before you sign a lease agreement, your landlord should give you a written disclosure of potential hazards. Landlords should also include any known lead-based paint or asbestos in the property. This gives tenants the chance to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about renting.

9. Domestic Violence

Tenants who are victims of domestic violence have the right to terminate their lease agreement with notice and without penalty. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who take advantage of this provision.

10. Security Cameras

While landlords may place security cameras outside of the rental property, they may not install cameras indoors without the renter’s permission. Tenants also have the right to know where the cameras are located on the property.

Conclusion

As a tenant in Pennsylvania, it is important to know your rights. With this guide, you can feel prepared and confident when renting from a landlord. Remember, if your landlord violates Pennsylvania tenant rights, you have legal recourse. Consult with a local attorney or government agency if you need help.


Guide to Pennsylvania Tenant Rights

If you are renting a home or apartment in the state of Pennsylvania, your rights as a tenant are protected by state (and sometimes local) laws.  Understanding PA tenant rights can help you stand up to a landlord who isn’t living up to the terms of your lease.  This guide will explain some of your Pennsylvania tenant rights, as well as what you can do if you find that your landlord is violating your rights under the law.

Eviction

PA tenant rights require landlords to give notice before beginning the eviction process in court.  If you are being evicted due to a breach of your lease or a failure to pay rent on time, you may wish to consult with a Pennsylvania tenant rights attorney.  The only way a landlord is allowed to evict a tenant is through the legal, court process—PA tenant rights do not permit so-called “self help evictions.”  If your landlord is attempting to personally evict you by changing your locks, putting your belongings outside, or shutting off your utilities, you may be able to take them to court and win damages.

Habitability

When you rent an apartment, according to your Pennsylvania tenant rights, it must be habitable.  This means that it must have safe, drinkable hot and cold running water, functioning plumbing and sanitary systems, and electricity.  Your appliances should be in good working condition and the unit should be free from pests or your landlord is renting a dwelling that violates your PA tenant rights.

According to Pennsylvania tenant rights, landlords must make needed repairs to your property when necessary.  If your landlord is refusing to make your unit habitable, you can talk to your local Department of Health to have an inspection performed.  If your landlord does not respond to Department of Health requests to repair the issues, PA tenant rights allow you to withhold rent.  You may not withhold rent without Department of Health permission according to your Pennsylvania tenant rights.

If you have provided your landlord with notice about the habitability issues and it is an issue you can repair yourself, you may fix the problem yourself if your landlord does not respond.  PA tenant rights then allow you to deduct the costs of the repair from your rent.  You will need to provide receipts to your landlord.

Quiet Enjoyment

You have the right to enjoy your property and not have your landlord interfere with that enjoyment unless it is necessary.  Pennsylvania tenant rights allow landlords to enter a dwelling only for repairs or inspections, and only after providing reasonable notice.  Your landlord may enter your apartment without violating your PA tenant rights if emergency repairs are needed and giving notice would lead to further damage to possessions or danger to tenants.

Security Deposits

If your landlord has asked you to pay a security deposit, Pennsylvania tenant rights require that they give it back to you within 30 days of moving out.  If some of the deposit is used for repairs, your landlord is required to tell you what damage was done and what money was kept.  Landlords may not collect more than two months of rent as a security deposit.

Guide to Pennsylvania Tenant Rights

If you are renting a home or apartment in the state of Pennsylvania, your rights as a tenant are protected by state (and sometimes local) laws.  Understanding PA tenant rights can help you stand up to a landlord who isn’t living up to the terms of your lease.  This guide will explain some of your Pennsylvania tenant rights, as well as what you can do if you find that your landlord is violating your rights under the law.

Eviction

PA tenant rights require landlords to give notice before beginning the eviction process in court.  If you are being evicted due to a breach of your lease or a failure to pay rent on time, you may wish to consult with a Pennsylvania tenant rights attorney.  The only way a landlord is allowed to evict a tenant is through the legal, court process—PA tenant rights do not permit so-called “self help evictions.”  If your landlord is attempting to personally evict you by changing your locks, putting your belongings outside, or shutting off your utilities, you may be able to take them to court and win damages.

Habitability

When you rent an apartment, according to your Pennsylvania tenant rights, it must be habitable.  This means that it must have safe, drinkable hot and cold running water, functioning plumbing and sanitary systems, and electricity.  Your appliances should be in good working condition and the unit should be free from pests or your landlord is renting a dwelling that violates your PA tenant rights.

According to Pennsylvania tenant rights, landlords must make needed repairs to your property when necessary.  If your landlord is refusing to make your unit habitable, you can talk to your local Department of Health to have an inspection performed.  If your landlord does not respond to Department of Health requests to repair the issues, PA tenant rights allow you to withhold rent.  You may not withhold rent without Department of Health permission according to your Pennsylvania tenant rights.

If you have provided your landlord with notice about the habitability issues and it is an issue you can repair yourself, you may fix the problem yourself if your landlord does not respond.  PA tenant rights then allow you to deduct the costs of the repair from your rent.  You will need to provide receipts to your landlord.

Quiet Enjoyment

You have the right to enjoy your property and not have your landlord interfere with that enjoyment unless it is necessary.  Pennsylvania tenant rights allow landlords to enter a dwelling only for repairs or inspections, and only after providing reasonable notice.  Your landlord may enter your apartment without violating your PA tenant rights if emergency repairs are needed and giving notice would lead to further damage to possessions or danger to tenants.

Security Deposits

If your landlord has asked you to pay a security deposit, Pennsylvania tenant rights require that they give it back to you within 30 days of moving out.  If some of the deposit is used for repairs, your landlord is required to tell you what damage was done and what money was kept.  Landlords may not collect more than two months of rent as a security deposit.