A Pennsylvania standard residential lease agreement is a contractual agreement between a landlord and tenant, typically lasting for one (1) year, with defined commencement and termination dates.
Prior to signing the lease, landlords often review the tenant’s credit history and confirm their employment to ensure consistent monthly rent payments.
Lease Length Considerations
- The law permits leases of any length of time as long as the lease term is clearly specified and agreed upon in writing by both the landlord and tenant.
- Oral leases are limited to a maximum term of three years. [1]
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): Two months’ rent for the first year of a lease; one month’s rent after the first year of tenancy. [2]
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days. [3]
Required Lease Disclosures
- Lead-Based Hazards.
- Security Deposit Notice.
- Notice of Abandoned Personal Property.
To learn more about disclosure requirements and state laws, visit our Pennsylvania lease agreements page.
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: No legally mandated rent grace period for rent payments.; it depends on the lease agreement.
- Maximum Late Fee: Pennsylvania law does not specify a maximum late fee, but it must be reasonable.
- NSF Fee: If a tenant’s rent check bounces, the landlord may charge a $50 fee, or more if their bank charges a higher amount. [4]
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (Title 68).
- Handbook – Renter Rights in Pennsylvania (PDF).
