Pennsylvania security deposit law

The rule

Deposit limit

2 months’ rent in the first year of the lease; 1 month’s rent from the second year on

Return deadline

30 days

Interest owed

Required

Itemized deductions

Required

The limit

After five years of tenancy, a rent increase cannot trigger an increase in the deposit.

The deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever comes first, with a written list of damages.

Interest

Deposits over $100 held more than two years go in an interest-bearing escrow account; interest (less a 1% per year administrative fee) is paid to the tenant annually from the second anniversary.

Deductions

The landlord must give you an itemized list of anything kept from the deposit.

If it isn’t returned

Failing to send the damage list in 30 days forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit; failing to pay the balance makes the landlord liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld.