Pennsylvania Security Deposit Laws
Pennsylvania caps security deposits at 2 months rent for the first year and 1 month rent thereafter.
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Key Rules
- Limit
- 2 months rent (first year); 1 month rent (after first year)
- Return Deadline
- 30 days after termination of tenancy
- Itemization Required
- Yes — written itemized statement required; failure forfeits all deductions
- Interest Required
- Yes — for deposits over $100 held for more than 2 years, must be kept in interest-bearing escrow account
- Bad Faith Penalty
- Tenant may recover double the deposit amount for bad-faith withholding
Applicable Statutes
Security deposit limits: maximum 2 months rent for first year of tenancy; maximum 1 month rent for second and subsequent years. Landlord must return deposit within 30 days.
Return of security deposit: landlord must return deposit within 30 days after tenancy ends with written itemized statement of deductions. Failure results in forfeiture of all deductions.
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.