Pennsylvania’s rent increase laws for 2025 continue to provide landlords with significant flexibility while offering some protections for tenants. Here’s what tenants should know:
No Statewide Rent Control
Pennsylvania does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. This means landlords can raise rents by any amount, as long as they provide proper notice.
Notice Requirements
Landlords must provide written notice before increasing rent:
- For monthly leases: At least 30 days’ notice
- For leases longer than 1 month: 60 days’ notice
The notice should state the new rent amount and the effective date of the increase.
Proposed Legislation
Several bills introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2025 could impact rent increases if enacted:
- House Bill 72: Proposes to cap annual rent increases at 10% to prevent price gouging.
- Senate Bill 144: Would require landlords to provide “just cause” for eviction, potentially limiting their ability to raise rents indirectly through lease terminations.
Local Initiatives
While there is no statewide rent control, some local initiatives are emerging:
- Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program: Requires landlords to engage in out-of-court negotiations with tenants before initiating eviction proceedings, which may indirectly affect rent increases1.
- Reading, PA: Has called for legislation to implement rent control guidelines, though specifics are not yet available.
Security Deposit Regulations
While not directly related to rent increases, security deposit laws can impact overall housing costs:
- Maximum deposit: 2 months’ rent for the first year, 1 month’s rent thereafter.
- Landlords cannot increase security deposits for lease renewals after 5 years, even if rent increases.
Tenant Protections
- Discrimination: Landlords cannot refuse to rent or impose different terms based on race, color, national origin, religion, or other protected characteristics.
- Retaliation: While not explicitly stated in the search results, it’s generally illegal for landlords to raise rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights.
Pennsylvania’s rental market remains largely unregulated in terms of rent increases. Tenants should:
- Carefully review lease agreements and be prepared for potential increases.
- Understand their rights regarding notice periods and security deposits.
- Stay informed about proposed legislation that could affect rent regulations.
- Consider negotiating longer-term leases to lock in rent rates.
- Be aware of local initiatives that may provide additional protections.
While landlords have significant latitude in setting rents, tenants can protect themselves by understanding their rights and staying informed about potential changes in the law.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://latoisonlaw.com/landlord-tenant-blog/pennsylvania-property-and-tenant-laws-in-2024/
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-pennsylvania
[3] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/pennsylvania-security-deposit-laws/
[4] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/pennsylvania-rent-control-laws/
[5] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/readingpa/latest/readingordres2025/calling_for__legislation_that__implement__rent__control__guidelines
