Pennsylvania Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Pennsylvania renters.
Return deadline
30 days
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
2× the amount by which the deposit exceeds actual damages
Governing statute
68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512
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Check my Pennsylvania deadlinePennsylvania security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Pennsylvania?
Under 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512, a Pennsylvania landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if a Pennsylvania landlord returns the deposit late?
2× the amount by which the deposit exceeds actual damages. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Pennsylvania landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Pennsylvania?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.