Pennsylvania landlord forms / Security Deposit Return Letter
Pennsylvania Security Deposit Return Letter
$19An itemized security deposit return letter, timed to your state's statutory deadline — this is the single most litigated moment in a tenancy, and missing the deadline or itemization requirement can cost a landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Core state figures — deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules — independently verified by a licensed U.S. attorney.
What Pennsylvania law requires
- Security deposit cap
- Pennsylvania caps your security deposit at two months' rent for the first year of your lease. From the second year onward — including renewals — the cap drops to one month's rent, and your landlord must refund the difference. Once you've rented from the same landlord for five years, they can no longer raise your deposit even if they raise your rent.68 P.S. § 250.511a · source
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days after move-out68 P.S. § 250.512 · source
- Month-to-month termination notice
- 30 days68 P.S. § 250.501(b) · source
- Pay-or-quit notice (late rent)
- 10 days68 P.S. § 250.501(b) · source
- Late fee guidance
- no statutory cap
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Most states penalize a late or non-itemized return — commonly forfeiting the right to withhold any amount, sometimes with additional statutory damages. Deadlines vary by state; this document is timed to yours.
Do I need to itemize every deduction?
Yes, in virtually every state — a vague "cleaning and repairs" line is not sufficient. List each deduction separately with its own amount.
Need more than one document?
The Complete Landlord Pack includes this document plus 5 more for Pennsylvania, with unlimited edits for 12 months.
See the Pennsylvania pack