Pennsylvania Lease Agreements by Type
Pennsylvania Lease to Purchase
Use a Pennsylvania Lease to Purchase agreement when you want to set a rental arrangement with the option for the tenant to buy the property at a later date.
Pennsylvania Room Rent
This Room Rental agreement lets you establish a formal arrangement for renting out a room in a residential property in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Apartment Lease
Employ this Apartment Lease agreement when formalizing the terms and conditions for renting an apartment in Pennsylvania.
Understanding Pennsylvania Rental Laws
States in the US each govern their own rental laws, and the same applies to Pennsylvania. As such, it’s highly recommended that you use a lease agreement template for Pennsylvania. By using a state-specific agreement, you can rest assured that it’ll comply with local laws and include all vital disclosures.
Rent and Payment Terms in Pennsylvania
The state doesn’t impose specific rules or regulations on rent payments or late fees. This means there’s also no state-wide grace period given to late payments. As such, the landlord can impose any reasonable payment terms in the lease agreement.
Security Deposit Regulations in Pennsylvania
Despite not enforcing security deposits, landlords in the state can request a security deposit to cover any damages above reasonable wear and tear. The state does, however, impose a maximum limit on the deposit that may be charged. The maximum security deposit is no more than two months’ rent for a one-year lease, followed by one month’s rent for subsequent years.
Furthermore, state law also requires that the security deposit be returned to the tenant within 30 days, less damages. The landlord must also provide the tenant with an itemized list of damages to justify the amount being kept back.
Any security deposit above $100 must be kept in an interest-bearing account. This account must be with a state or federal-owned institution, and the details must appear on the lease agreement.
Duration of the Lease in Pennsylvania
Local laws don’t require a written agreement for leases shorter than three years. If a lease is for a shorter period, you can use either a verbal or written agreement (but not required). However, with that being said, it’s always a good idea to have your agreement in writing in case any issues or miscommunications arise.
Maintenance and Repairs in Pennsylvania
State law requires that any rental property must be safe for human habitation, and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the property to remain compliant with local housing and building codes. If a property is unfit for human habitation, the tenant can withhold rent or abandon the rental without penalties.
Additional Clauses for Pennsylvania
Aside from the above-mentioned laws, a few others should also appear on your lease agreement. These include notice of entry, pet, and eviction laws. Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entry, usually at least 24 hours, unless it’s an emergency. Also, there are no limitations on pet deposits in the state. However, landlords may not refuse a tenant if they have a service animal.
Finally, if the tenant cannot pay rent, the landlord may start the eviction proceedings by providing a 10-day Notice to Quit. This gives the tenant 10 days to pay any overdue rent or vacate the premises. If the tenant breaches the agreement, the landlord may start the eviction procedure with a 15-day Notice to Cure.
Legal Considerations and Compliance in Pennsylvania
When a written or verbal lease agreement is entered into, and payment is received, the landlord and tenant automatically have rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act. The act covers all the above-mentioned laws, such as deposit limitations and safe property maintenance. Even if not clarified in the lease agreement, these rights exist, so it’s best to include them.
