Pennsylvania renter guide

Pennsylvania gives landlords 30 days.

A residential landlord generally has 30 days from the end of the lease or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever happens first, to give a written damage list and return any balance due.

Reviewed September 26, 2026 · 68 P.S. § 250.512

Give your new address in writing

Pennsylvania’s statute says a tenant’s failure to give the landlord a new address in writing upon lease termination or surrender and acceptance relieves the landlord from liability under this section. Keep a copy of the written notice and proof it was delivered.

What must the landlord send?

The landlord must provide a written list of claimed damage and payment of the difference between the escrow deposit and actual tenant-caused damage. A landlord who misses the written-list deadline forfeits the right to retain deposit funds for property damage under this section. The statute separately addresses nonpayment of rent and other lease breaches.

What if the deposit is not returned?

If the landlord does not pay the amount due within 30 days, the statute allows double the difference between the deposit and actual damage, as determined by a court. Recoup’s figure assumes the entire amount entered as withheld is due back; a court determines actual damage and the applicable amount.

Check your dates

Recoup uses the earlier of lease termination or surrender and acceptance. These events can occur on different dates. The result is general legal information and does not decide whether the amount claimed is supported or predict what a court will award.

This page gives general legal information, not legal advice. Specific facts and local rules may change your options. Consider contacting a Pennsylvania attorney or tenant resource for advice.

Read 68 P.S. § 250.512 at the Pennsylvania General Assembly ↗