Philadelphia, PA Local Law
Your complete guide to renter protections in Philadelphia, PA. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside Pennsylvania state protections.
No
Rent Control
30
Days to Return Deposit
2 months' rent
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Max Deposit shows the short version — read the full rule below.
Current rent regulation status
No Local Rent Control
Philadelphia does not have local rent control. Pennsylvania state law governs rent increase practices.
Without local rent control, landlords in Philadelphia may raise rent with proper written notice as required by Pennsylvania law. There is no cap on the amount of increase, but it must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
Philadelphia-specific laws and ordinances
Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance bans source-of-income discrimination
Rental license and inspection requirements
Right to counsel program for tenants facing eviction
Local ordinances work alongside Pennsylvania state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full Pennsylvania state protections.
Laws that apply to all Pennsylvania renters
Max Security Deposit
2 months' rent (1 month after first year)
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days
Entry Notice Required
No state rule
Governing Statute
Pennsylvania Statutes
Something else? Contact our team
No, Philadelphia does not currently have local rent control. Pennsylvania state law governs rent increase rules. Landlords must typically provide proper written notice before raising rent.
In Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania state limit of 2 months' rent (1 month after first year) applies. Landlords must return deposits within 30 days after you move out.
Philadelphia tenants benefit from several protections: Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance bans source-of-income discrimination; Rental license and inspection requirements; Right to counsel program for tenants facing eviction. These are in addition to Pennsylvania state law.
You can contact the Philadelphia local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the Pennsylvania attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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