General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- There is no statewide cap on rent increases.
- Generally, Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control law.
- No statute sets a notice period for rent increases; a fixed term lease controls, and a month to month increase generally needs the same 15 day notice used to end the tenancy.
Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control and no statewide limit on increases. Rent is set by the lease, though larger cities such as Philadelphia have their own tenant rules.
Pennsylvania rent control at a glance
| Rule | Pennsylvania | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Generally, Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control law. | Pennsylvania statutes (no rent control law) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide cap on rent increases. | Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap) |
| Notice before a rent increase | No statute sets a notice period for rent increases; a fixed term lease controls, and a month to month increase generally needs the same 15 day notice used to end the tenancy. | Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (no rent increase rule) |
Does Pennsylvania have rent control?
Rent control status. Generally, Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control law. (Pennsylvania statutes (no rent control law))
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide cap on rent increases. (Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap))
City and county rules
Local ordinances. Some cities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have their own rental licensing and tenant protection rules. (Local ordinances)
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. No statute sets a notice period for rent increases; a fixed term lease controls, and a month to month increase generally needs the same 15 day notice used to end the tenancy. (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (no rent increase rule))
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Pennsylvania rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Pennsylvania attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Pennsylvania statutes (no rent control law)
- Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap)
- Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (no rent increase rule)
- Local ordinances
Official sources
Pennsylvania forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
The parts people misread.
Does Pennsylvania have rent control?
Generally, Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control law. Source: Pennsylvania statutes (no rent control law).
How much can rent go up in a year in Pennsylvania?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases. Source: Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap).
Do cities in Pennsylvania have their own rent rules?
Some cities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have their own rental licensing and tenant protection rules. Source: Local ordinances.