Landlords’ Guide to Pennsylvania Lease Agreements

Are you a landlord in Pennsylvania? Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with all the legal requirements and responsibilities that come with leasing a property in this state. This guide is here to help!

From understanding lead-based paint hazards to navigating rent regulations and security deposit rules, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or new to the rental business, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the Pennsylvania rental market with confidence and compliance.

Let’s get started!

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Requirements

You must include information about lead-based paint hazards in your Pennsylvania lease agreement. This requirement applies to all landlords in the state, regardless of the age of the property.

It’s important to inform your tenants about the potential risks associated with lead-based paint, especially if the property was built before 1978. To comply with this obligation, you can include a clause in your Pennsylvania residential lease agreement that discloses the presence of lead-based paint and provides information on how to minimize exposure.

It’s also recommended to provide tenants with the EPA-approved information pamphlet called ‘Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.’

By including this information in your lease agreements, you’re ensuring that your tenants are aware of the potential hazards and can take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families.

For free Pennsylvania lease agreement templates, you can find them online from reputable sources.

Rent and Fees Regulations

Pennsylvania lease agreements in regard to rent and fees are governed by specific regulations that landlords must adhere to. In Pennsylvania, there’s no specified rent due date, giving landlords flexibility in setting payment deadlines. Additionally, rental application fees aren’t regulated, allowing landlords to determine the appropriate amount.

It’s important to note that Pennsylvania doesn’t have state-wide rent control or rent control laws. This means that landlords have the freedom to set rental prices without any restrictions. Late fees in Pennsylvania have no statutory limits, giving landlords the ability to charge a reasonable fee for late payments.

Furthermore, there’s no required grace period for rent payment in Pennsylvania, so landlords can enforce the terms of the lease agreement regarding prompt payment.

Security Deposit Guidelines

When it comes to security deposits in Pennsylvania lease agreements, adherence to specific guidelines is crucial.

In Pennsylvania, the deposit limit is two months’ rent during the first year and one month for subsequent years.

It’s important to note that landlords must pay interest on security deposits after the second year of holding the funds.

Additionally, landlords are required to return security deposits within 30 days of lease termination or surrender of the premises.

To ensure compliance, landlords must keep security deposits in an escrow account at a regulated institution if the funds are over $100 and held for longer than two years.

It’s important to remember that landlords may only withhold funds from the security deposit for damages to which the tenant is liable, and normal wear and tear isn’t an acceptable reason for withholding funds.

Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections

To ensure compliance with tenant screening and fair housing protections, landlords in Pennsylvania must be aware of their obligations and responsibilities.

Federal law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, and disability. Pennsylvania state law adds protections for ancestry and pregnancy.

Landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and must protect tenant credit information, disposing of credit reports after use in tenant screening.

Criminal background checks may be used during tenant screening, but landlords should follow HUD recommendations and assess applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Blanket policies for denying applicants with criminal convictions should be avoided, and denial should only occur when there’s a demonstrated risk to the safety of other residents or the property.

Entry Rights and Regulations

To ensure compliance with entry rights and regulations, landlords must be aware of their obligations and responsibilities when accessing rental properties.

In Pennsylvania, landlords aren’t required to give advance notice before entering a property, and there are no time-of-day restrictions for entry. Additionally, Pennsylvania doesn’t have any laws regarding emergency entry without notice.

While landlords have the right to access the property, it’s important to respect the privacy of tenants and provide reasonable notice whenever possible. It’s recommended to establish a good relationship with tenants and communicate openly about the reasons for entry.

Conclusion

Now that you have a thorough understanding of the legal requirements and responsibilities that come with leasing a property in Pennsylvania, you can approach the rental market with confidence.

By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and lawful renting experience for both you and your tenants.

Remember to stay informed about your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, and always prioritize compliance to maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship.