Pennsylvania Deposit Return Deadline
30 daysUnder Pennsylvania law, a landlord generally has 30 days after move-out to return your security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) — the FAQ below covers the conditions that can change the deadline.
Educational information: generated from our Pennsylvania law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Pennsylvania compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Pennsylvania compares with other states in our database.
| State | Deposit Return Deadline |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 30 days |
| Rhode Island | 20 days |
| South Carolina | 30 days |
| South Dakota | 14 days (statement within 45) |
| Tennessee | 30 days |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. Maximum 2 months rent in first year, 1 month thereafter. Cannot increase even if rent rises. Deposits over $100 must be held in escrow and tenant notified of bank. After 2 years: interest-bearing account, pay interest annually (minus 1% admin fee). Return within 30 days. Failure: 2x amount wrongfully withheld.
- Can a Pennsylvania landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my Pennsylvania landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (30 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. Maximum 2 months rent in first year, 1 month thereafter. Cannot increase even if rent rises. Deposits over $100 must be held in escrow and tenant notified of bank. After 2 years: interest-bearing account, pay interest annually (minus 1% admin fee). Return within 30 days. Failure: 2x amount wrongfully withheld.
Check Your Lease Against Pennsylvania Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Pennsylvania law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
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More Pennsylvania lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania for your specific situation.