Updated August 08, 2023
A Pennsylvania lease agreement allows landlords to rent property to tenants in exchange for payment. It is advised for a landlord to verify their tenant’s income and employment status prior to authorizing a lease. This will give proof that they can afford the rent. When signing the lease, the tenant will be obligated to provide payment for the security deposit, if any, and the first month’s rent.
Table of Contents |
Agreement Types (6)
 Standard Residential Lease Agreement – Usually written as a one-year arrangement but can be for any specified timeframe with a start and end date.
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 Commercial Lease Agreement – To be used for all business-related tenancies.
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 Month-to-Month Lease Agreement (§ 250.501) – Allows for the landlord or tenant to cancel within 15 days. If the tenancy has been ongoing for more than one year, the parties must give each other at least 30 days’ notice.
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 Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement – Standard residential contract that allows for the lessor and lessee to create a pre-determined agreement for the purchase and sale of the rental property.
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 Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement – For the members of a home where each occupant is given a bedroom and the contract is for the shared common areas and expenses.
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 Sublease Agreement – For a tenant seeking to sublet space they have under lease from the landlord/agent.
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Required Disclosures (1)
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – If any housing structure was built prior to 1978, then the tenant must be informed. The landlord must complete and both parties signing the disclosure.
Security Deposits
Maximum Amount (§ 250.511.1(a)) – The landlord may ask for up to two (2) months’ rent.
Returning (§ 250.512) – Within thirty (30) days of the lease termination date or when possession has been delivered back to the landlord, whichever comes first, shall give back all funds associated with the deposit along with an itemized list if there are any deductions.
When is Rent Due? (Grace Period)
Rent is due on the date mentioned in the lease. There is no grace period. If rent is not paid on the due date, the landlord can send a 10-day notice to quit (§ 250.501(b)).
Late Rent
Maximum Penalty – There is no law that caps the amount a landlord can charge for a late fee.
NSF Fee (§ 4105(e)(5)) – $50 is the maximum fee a landlord can charge for a bad check.
Right to Enter (Landlord)
There are no statutes that give the right to the tenant that notice must be given prior to the landlord’s entry. Although, the landlord is recommended to give written notice at least one (1) day prior to entering the property.
Resources
- Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights – Provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
- Self-Help Handbook for Tenants – Provided by the North Penn Legal Services.
- The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 – Provided by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.