- Pennsylvania does not have statewide rent control. This means there is currently no legal cap on how much a landlord can increase rent, and landlords are free to set rent prices according to market conditions.
- Landlords can raise rent by any amount, including more than 10%, as there are no state-imposed percentage limits.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
- Landlords must provide tenants with written notice before increasing rent. The standard notice period is at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the rent increase.
- For different lease types, the notice period may vary:
- Fixed-term leases:Â Rent cannot be increased during the lease term. Increases can only occur at renewal.
- Month-to-month leases:Â Typically, a 30-day written notice is required, but local rules may extend this to 60 days for annual leases or less for shorter arrangements.
- Verbal notices are not valid; all notices must be in writing.
Lease Agreement Provisions
- Rent cannot be increased in the middle of a lease term unless the lease specifically allows for such a change and both parties agree.
- For new rent amounts to take effect, landlords and tenants should document the change in writing, but a new lease agreement is not strictly required if proper notice is given and the tenant accepts the new terms.
Tenant Protections and Rights
- Landlords are prohibited from increasing rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights, such as reporting habitability issues or discrimination.
- Tenants are protected under federal and state fair housing laws from discriminatory rent increases based on race, religion, nationality, disability, and other protected characteristics.
- If a rent increase is believed to be retaliatory or discriminatory, tenants can file complaints or seek legal remedies.
Security Deposit Laws
- Security deposits are capped at two months’ rent for the first year and one month’s rent thereafter.
- Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of move-out and provide an itemized list of any deductions.
Recent and Proposed Legislative Changes
- In 2024, Pennsylvania expanded the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program, increasing eligibility and rebates for seniors and low-income renters.
- Several bills are under consideration in 2025 that could impact rent increases:
- House Bill 72:Â Proposes capping annual rent increases at 10%. If passed, this would limit how much landlords can raise rent each year.
- Other bills:Â Address just-cause eviction, application fee transparency, and tenant right to legal counsel in eviction proceedings.
- As of May 2025, these proposed caps and protections are not yet law, but tenants should monitor legislative updates for changes that may affect future rent increases.
Local Ordinances and Philadelphia-Specific Rules
- Some cities, especially Philadelphia, may have additional regulations or tenant protections. For example, Philadelphia has a permanent eviction diversion program requiring landlords to mediate with tenants before filing for eviction.
- Always check local ordinances for city-specific rules on rent increases and tenant rights.
Table: Key Rent Increase Rules (2025)
| Rule/Protection | Statewide Status (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control/Cap | No | No limit on amount or frequency |
| Written Notice Required | Yes | Minimum 30 days |
| Retaliatory Increase Ban | Yes | Protected by law |
| Discrimination Ban | Yes | Federal and state laws apply |
| Security Deposit Limit | Yes | 2 months (1st year), then 1 month |
| Proposed 10% Cap | Not yet law | Pending legislation |
| Local Ordinances | Varies | Check city/county rules |
Key Takeaways for Tenants:
- Landlords can raise rent without a cap, but must give proper written notice and cannot do so in retaliation or discrimination.
- Rent increases are only valid at the end of a lease term unless otherwise specified in the lease.
- Watch for legislative updates, as proposed laws may soon introduce new protections such as a 10% annual cap.
- Always review your lease and consult local ordinances for additional protections or requirements.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-pennsylvania
[2] https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/pennsylvania-rent-increase-laws
[3] https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-pennsylvania
[4] https://www.tomtoole.com/blog/what-tenants-need-to-know-about-rent-increases-in-2025/
[5] https://www.avail.co/education/articles/pennsylvania-landlord-tenant-laws-overview-for-landlords