How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in Pennsylvania, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.
2 months' rent (first year); 1 month's rent (second year and beyond); deposit may not increase after 5 years of tenancy. Two-month first-year cap, one-month thereafter, and 30-day return. Act of Apr. 6, 1951, P.L. 69, No. 20.
30 days after lease termination / surrender (landlord must provide itemized list of damages with any refund; failure forfeits right to withhold). Read 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, §§ 511.1–512) for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.
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2 months' rent (first year); 1 month's rent (second year and beyond); deposit may not increase after 5 years of tenancy. Two-month first-year cap, one-month thereafter, and 30-day return. Act of Apr. 6, 1951, P.L. 69, No. 20. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, §§ 511.1–512)) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.
30 days after lease termination / surrender (landlord must provide itemized list of damages with any refund; failure forfeits right to withhold). See 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, §§ 511.1–512) for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.
68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, §§ 511.1–512). The official text is published by the state at https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1951/0/0020..HTM.
No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.
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