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.
- A landlord may not end or refuse to renew a residential lease because the tenant or a family member takes part in a tenants' organization.
- 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 law does not set a separate notice period for raising rent. A fixed term lease controls until it ends, and for a month to month tenant an increase in practice needs the same notice used to end the tenancy.
Pennsylvania rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Pennsylvania | Law |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide cap on rent increases. | Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap) |
| Retaliation protection | A landlord may not end or refuse to renew a residential lease because the tenant or a family member takes part in a tenants' organization. | Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, section 205 |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
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))
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide cap on rent increases. (Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap))
Rent control status. Generally, Pennsylvania has no statewide rent control law. (Pennsylvania statutes (no rent control law))
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A landlord may not end or refuse to renew a residential lease because the tenant or a family member takes part in a tenants' organization. (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, section 205)
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
Keep the Pennsylvania rent increase notice summary on file
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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
- Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (no rent increase rule)
- Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap)
- Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, section 205
- Pennsylvania statutes (no rent control law)
Official sources
Pennsylvania forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
The parts people misread.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Pennsylvania?
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. Source: Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (no rent increase rule).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Pennsylvania?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases. Source: Pennsylvania statutes (no rent cap).
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Pennsylvania?
A landlord may not end or refuse to renew a residential lease because the tenant or a family member takes part in a tenants' organization. Source: Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, section 205.