Pennsylvania
Tenants Right to Sublet
Tenants are not allowed to sublet their rental property without the Landlord’s written permission, unless the lease specifically permits it. If Landlord approval is needed, Tenants can use a Landlord Consent Form.
Short-Term Rental / Lodgings Tax
- The 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax applies to short-term rentals (less than 30 days) booked through online platforms or third-party brokers. Some counties may charge extra taxes. [1]
Sample Pennsylvania Sublease Agreement Template
Sources
Rental Application Form – The rental application form gives Landlords written permission to run background and credit checks on the applicant, then Pennsylvania residential lease agreement can be signed if the Tenant is approved.
Required Disclosure Forms (1)
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Pamphlet – Landlords must disclose if the property was built before 1978. [1]
Security Deposit Laws
Sources
Sample
Rental lease agreement – Once the applicant’s approved by using the rental application form then the PA residential lease agreement contract can be signed.
Laws ⚖️
- Application Fee – There are no maximum amounts for the application fee.
- Security Deposit Amount – Two-months rent is the maximum amount Landlords can charge for security deposits. [1]
Sources
Sample Pennsylvania Rental Application Form
This Pennsylvania DMV motor vehicle bill of sale form provides information about and records the state’s legal sale and purchase of a motor vehicle. It should include details about the buyer, the seller, the nature of the transaction, and the car itself. This document will need to be notarized and may be required for registration.
Odometer Disclosure Statement: Sellers must record the odometer reading in a dedicated space on the vehicle’s title, usually on the reverse side. Refer to the PA ODS Fact Sheet.
Type of Sale
Required Registration Documents
- Certificate of Title Application
- Proof of Ownership
- For new vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- For used vehicles: The vehicle’s current title properly assigned to the new owner
- Proof of Identification
- Proof of Insurance
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification
- Sales Tax Proof
- Title Fees and Registration Fees
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration)
- Form MV-3 (Certificate of Inspection)
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
Contacting PennDOT for updates or additional requirements
Pennsylvania DMV Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: Free Template Downloads
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pennsylvania-Car-Motor-Vehicle-Bill-of-Sale-Form.pdf
An Pennsyvania lease agreement is used in rental property and it is a contract between a landlord and a tenant in exchange for monthly rent payments. The agreement also includes the terms and conditions of the lease.
Rental Application – Tenant(s) should complete this form before signing lease agreement. This application will confirm the Tenants credit and employment.
Form Options By Type
 Standard Residential Lease Agreement
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 Simple (1-Page) Lease Agreement
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Most Recent US Home Facts
- Population (2023): 334,914,895
- Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
- Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
- Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
What to Include in the Form?
Required Disclosure (2)
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Security Deposit Receipt
Security Deposits
Maximum – Two months rent is the maximum rent Landlords can charge a Tenant.
Returns – all deposits must be returned to the Tenant within thirty (30) days.
Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(a)
Landlord Access
General Access – It is not mandatory for a landlord to provide prior notice before entering the premises as per state law although Landlords should give at least 24 hours notice to the Tenants.
Paying Rent
Grace Period – Pennsylvania has no legal provision for rent grace period.
Late Fees – There is no specific law that limits the amount of late fees a landlord can charge.
NSF Fee – $50 per bounced check.
Source: 18 P.C.S. § 4105(e)(3)
Lease Agreement Example
Sample
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pennsylvania-Simple-1-Page-Residential-Lease-Agreement.pdf
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Form Options
Signing Requirements
The Principal must sign in front of two witnesses to be legally valid.
Source: § 5452
Pennsylvania Advance Directive Medical Power of Attorney Template Sample
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pennsylvania-Advance-Healthcare-Directive.pdf
Commercial Lease Application – Before renting a property to any individual or business entity, Landlords highly recommend using a lease application to screen Tenants.
When Does a Commercial Lease Agreement Become Legally Binding?
The Commercial Lease Agreement becomes legally binding when both parties sign the contract and the buyer gets the notice that the seller has accepted the deal. The buyer can get the notice in-person, by phone, and/or email.
Pennsylvania Standard Commercial Lease Agreement Sample
Rental Application – The landlord can request a rental application from tenants to verify the financial credentials. Once approved, both parties can sign the Pennsylvania rental lease agreement.
By Type
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Residential Lease Agreement – This rental contract lets a tenant lease a property for 12 months, with an option to renew. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Commercial Lease Agreement – A business rental contract is used to lease space intended for commercial purposes. Download: PDF |
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Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – A rental contract without an end date that automatically renews with every monthly payment made by the tenant. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Rent to Own Lease Agreement – A lease that gives tenants the opportunity to purchase the property under set terms. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Roommate Lease Agreement – A written agreement between roommates that outlines their duties as tenants in a shared living space. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
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Sublease Agreement – A sublease agreement allows individuals to rent out some or all of their leased property to others. Download: PDF | Word (.docx) |
What does the Pennsylvania Rental Lease Agreement Form Cover?
This agreement includes the following information for landlords and tenants in Pennsylvania:
- Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act of 1951
- Security Deposit Law
- Lease Termination
- Landlord’s Access to the Property
- Rent Due Date and Late Fees
- Eviction Procedures
- Property Maintenance
- Required Disclosure Forms
- Tenant’s Right to Withhold Rent
Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act of 1951
The Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 governs landlord and tenant responsibilities, rental agreements, security deposits, eviction procedures, tenant rights, and required disclosures.[1]
Security Deposit Laws
- Two-Year Rule – Security deposits over $100 must accrue interest if the lease exceeds two years.
- Maximum Amount – For the first year, landlords may require up to two months’ rent; thereafter, one month.
- Return Timeline – Security deposits must be returned within 30 days after the lease ends, along with an itemized list of deductions (if any).[2]
Lease Termination Rules for Landlords and Tenants
Required notice for lease termination is as follows:
- Yearly Lease: 30 days’ notice.
- Month-to-Month: 15 days’ notice.
- No Notice: If the rental unit poses immediate health or safety risks.[3]
Landlord’s Access to the Rental Property
Pennsylvania law does not mandate the required notice period for property access, but reasonable notice (24 hours) unless it’s an emergency.[4]
Rent Due Dates and Late Fees
- Grace Period – Grace periods for late rent are not mandated by law; landlords must specify this in the lease.
- Late Fees – Late fees are permitted but must be reasonable and outlined in the lease agreement.
- NSF Fee – $50 per bounced rent check.[5]
Eviction Procedures and Notices
- Notice to Quit – 10 days for nonpayment of rent; 15 or 30 days for lease violations or termination (depending on tenancy length).[6]
- Grace Period – State law does not mandate a grace period for rent payments.
- Illegal Drug Activity – Tenants must vacate within 10 days for drug-related violations.
- Termination of Month-to-Month Lease – No specific legal requirement exists, but a 30-day notice is commonly practiced.
- Eviction Lawsuit – Legal actions are classified under “Actions for the Recovery of Possession of Real Property.”
Property Maintenance Requirements and Utilities
Landlords must provide a habitable living environment in accordance with Pennsylvania’s warranty of habitability. Shared utility responsibilities should be disclosed in the lease.[7]
Required Disclosure Forms (1)
Landlords must disclose the following:
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Landlords must provide a lead-based paint disclosure form to tenants if the property was built before 1978.
Tenant’s Right to Withhold Rent
Tenants may withhold rent if the property is uninhabitable. The tenant must notify the landlord and allow a reasonable time for repairs. If not resolved, tenants can repair the issue and deduct costs from rent (repair and deduct).[8]
Sources
Sample Pennsylvania Rental Lease Agreement Template
Pennsylvania-Standard-1-Year-Residential-Lease-Agreement-Template
Notary – a public officer who can witness the signatures of the buyer and seller.
Form Options By Type
| Standard Residential Lease Agreement
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| Simple (1-Page) Lease Agreement
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When does a purchase agreement become legally binding?
The purchase and sale agreement becomes legally binding when both parties sign the contract and the buyer gets the notice that the seller has accepted the deal. The buyer can get the notice in-person, by phone, and/or email.
Law Alert ⚖️
Under Pennsylvania law, the seller must provide the buyer with a Property Disclosure Statement before the contract is signed, listing any known issues that could influence the buyer’s decision.
The seller is also prohibited from providing false or misleading information or withholding details about any known defects.
Pennsylvania Residential Purchase and Sale Agreement Sample
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pennsylvania-Residential-Real-Estate-Purchase-Agreement-1.pdf