Pennsylvania Security Deposit Law: Deadlines & Penalties
Pennsylvania landlords must, within 30 days after the lease ends or the landlord accepts the tenant's surrender of the unit, whichever comes first, give the tenant a written list of any damages they claim and pay back the rest of the deposit, including any unpaid interest. The landlord may also keep money for unpaid rent or other lease breaches.
A landlord who fails to send the written list of damages within 30 days loses the right to keep any part of the deposit for damages and cannot sue the tenant for those damages. However, the tenant must give the landlord a new address in writing when moving out; a tenant who doesn't may lose these protections. This letter provides that address.
If the landlord fails to pay back the difference between the deposit and the actual damages within 30 days, the landlord is liable for double that amount, and the landlord carries the burden of proving the damages. Pennsylvania caps deposits at two months' rent in the first year and one month after that, and deposits over $100 held more than two years earn interest.
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Pennsylvania: common questions
How long does a Pennsylvania landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the lease ends or the landlord accepts your surrender of the unit, whichever comes first. Within that time the landlord must send a written list of claimed damages along with the remaining balance.
Do I need to give my Pennsylvania landlord a forwarding address?
Yes. If you don't provide your new address in writing when the lease ends or you move out, the landlord is relieved of liability under the deposit statute. This letter includes your address, but it is best to provide it at move-out too.
What can I recover if my Pennsylvania landlord keeps my deposit?
If the landlord doesn't pay back the difference between the deposit and the actual damages within 30 days, a court can award double that amount. A landlord who never sent a written damage list loses the right to keep any of it for damages.
Where do I sue for a deposit in Pennsylvania?
Most deposit cases go to the local magisterial district court, which hears civil claims of up to $12,000, not counting interest and costs. In Philadelphia, these cases go to the Municipal Court, which has the same $12,000 limit. Bring the lease, photos, this letter and your proof of mailing.
Compare nearby states
| State | Return deadline | Itemized list | Small claims limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 30 days | Required | $12,000 (magisterial district court) |
| Delaware | 20 days | Required | $25,000 (Justice of the Peace Court) |
| Maryland | 45 days | Required | $5,000 |
| New Jersey | 30 days | Required | $5,000 |
| New York | 14 days | Required | $10,000 in New York City ($5,000 in most other city courts) |
| Ohio | 30 days | Required | $6,000 |
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