What Is a Pennsylvania Lease Agreement?
A Pennsylvania lease agreement is a legal contract between the landlord and tenant. It works to define terms for rent payments, fees, and property maintenance. Having a written agreement provides legal protection and establishes clear expectations for everyone involved.
Use Legal Templates’s free Pennsylvania lease agreements to ensure state-compliant terms. Our customizable form ensures a valid contract that meets your needs.
Overview of Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Laws
Pennsylvania’s landlord-tenant laws provide guidelines for leasing arrangements. View the table below for an overview of the most relevant lease laws.
| Topic | Regulations | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Rent payments | None | N/A |
| Security deposits | No more than 2 months' rent | 68 P.S. § 250.511a(a) |
| Late fees | No laws, but should be included in the lease | N/A |
| Grace periods | No laws, but should be included in the lease | N/A |
| Landlord entry | No laws, but advance notice is recommended | N/A |
Pennsylvania Lease Agreements-By Type
The exact terms of a lease can vary depending on the type of property and the duration of the agreement. Consider the following types of Pennsylvania lease agreements to find a form that meets your needs.
Pennsylvania Standard Lease Agreement
Initiates a housing tenancy for a property.
Pennsylvania Room Rental Agreement
A specific agreement that governs the lease of a single room, including use of common areas, in a larger property.
Pennsylvania Commercial Lease Agreement
A contract specifying the terms under which a company may use a property for commercial purposes.
Pennsylvania Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
A rental arrangement leading to property ownership.
Pennsylvania Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Lets tenants occupy a property on a monthly basis without a long-term commitment.
Pennsylvania Sublease Agreement
Lets a tenant rent a property to a subtenant for a specified period.
Security Deposit Regulations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania laws limit security deposits to no more than two months’ rent at the beginning of the first year of the lease. If the landlord charges a deposit at the start of the second lease year, the charges cannot exceed one month’s rent.
At the end of the lease period, the landlord is required to return the deposit to the tenant within 30 days. Any costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted from the deposit. If the landlord deducts these costs, they must provide a written and itemized statement of the expenses.
Pennsylvania Rent Payment Laws
Pennsylvania has no set limits for rent; however, it’s recommended for landlords to ensure a reasonable rate to avoid legal disputes. Other factors, such as due dates, late fees, and grace periods, are also left to the landlord’s discretion. These regulations and charges should be included in the original lease agreement’s terms.
Landlord Entry and Repairs in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, no notice is required for a landlord to enter the leased premises. It is recommended to provide a reasonable and written notice to enter for legal protection and record-keeping.
State laws also divide responsibility for property maintenance. The landlord must provide services and utilities such as hot water, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. If they fail to make repairs or offer livable conditions, the tenant may have legal grounds to withhold rent. In return, the tenant assumes responsibility for keeping and returning the premises in the same condition as when they moved in.
Pennsylvania Lease Required Disclosures
Disclosure forms promote transparency by communicating important property information. Pennsylvania lease agreements must include the following disclosures:
- Disclosure of Lead-Based Hazards for properties built before 1978
- Security Deposit Notice for deposits over $100
- Notice of Abandoned Personal Property
Terminating a Lease Agreement in Pennsylvania
When either party wishes to terminate the lease, they must follow the procedures outlined in the lease and applicable Pennsylvania laws. Ending a month-to-month lease agreement requires a 30-day notice from either party.
If a tenant abandons their belongings, the landlord must store them and send a written notice requesting retrieval within 10 days. If necessary, the tenant may request that the landlord store the items for an additional 30 days after the notice date.
Pennsylvania Lease Agreement Sample
Legal Templates’s free Pennsylvania lease agreement sample form provides state-specific terms. Use our customizable templates, available in PDF and Word formats, to create a binding lease agreement.
