All state rental agreements will contain standard information mandated by Federal law, including:
- contact information of the landlord and tenant,
- address and description of the property,
- pet provisions, lead-based paint disclosures,
- amount of the security deposit and rent due,
- means and date by which the tenant will paying both
Not all states will have identical rental and leasing requirements and may differ on some important issues.
As long as states meet the Federal minimum requirements for leasing and renting, they are free to draft state-specific laws on landlord and tenant law.
For example, some states may impose more complex rent control laws, while others may require move-in and move-out checklists, or certain non-refundable fees. To best protect yourself and your financial and legal rights, it is recommended you familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s important distinctions.
1. Pennsylvania Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Andrew Erwin and “Tenant” Kelly Handover. She agrees to rent a room in Philadelphia for $700.00 per month beginning on June 23, 2017 and continuing on a month-by-month basis. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises.
This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Laws
Pennsylvania imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease/Rental Agreement. For example, Pennsylvania statutes provide for the following:
Security Deposit:
- A maximum of two (2) months security deposit required by the landlord. (68 P.S. § 511.2(a))
- A landlord must return the tenant’s security deposit within thirty (30) days from the end of the lease. (68 P.S. § 512(c))
Landlord Right of Entry:
- A landlord need not provide notice before entering the premises for emergency and non-emergency uses. (No statute)