In 2025, understanding Pennsylvania’s rent increase laws is crucial for tenants as new legislation aims to provide greater protections against steep rent hikes. Here’s what tenants should know about their rights and the current regulations.
New Legislative Protections
Recent proposals in Pennsylvania have introduced significant changes to how landlords can increase rents. A new bill, co-sponsored by State Senator Amanda Cappelletti, seeks to cap rent increases at 10% per year for existing tenants. This legislation aims to prevent sudden and exorbitant rent hikes that can financially strain renters. Additionally, landlords are required to provide written notice of any rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect.
Current Rent Increase Regulations
While the proposed legislation is still in progress, tenants should be aware of the existing framework governing rent increases:
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice before implementing a rent increase. This notice should clearly state the new rent amount and the effective date.
- No Statewide Rent Control: Pennsylvania does not have statewide rent control laws, meaning landlords can generally raise rents according to market conditions without a specific limit. However, they must comply with the lease agreement and local ordinances.
- Frequency of Increases: Landlords can raise rent once a lease term has ended. During the lease period, the rent amount cannot be changed unless explicitly allowed in the lease agreement.
- Exceptions: The proposed bill includes exemptions for dormitories, newly constructed properties within ten years, and small landlords who own fewer than 15 rental units. These exceptions aim to balance tenant protections with the needs of smaller property owners.
Tenant Rights
Tenants have several rights under Pennsylvania law regarding rent increases:
- Right to Challenge Increases: If a tenant believes a proposed rent increase is excessive or unfair, they can negotiate with their landlord or seek assistance from tenant advocacy groups.
- Protection Against Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rents in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights, such as filing complaints about housing conditions.
As Pennsylvania moves toward implementing new protections against excessive rent increases, understanding current laws is essential for tenants. With the potential for a 10% cap on annual increases and mandatory notice periods, renters can gain more stability in their housing situations. Tenants should stay informed about both existing regulations and upcoming legislative changes to ensure they are aware of their rights and protections in the rental market.
Source
[1] https://6abc.com/rent-in-pennsylvania-rental-rate-protections-pa-legislation-politics/14545976/
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-pennsylvania
[3] https://renters.equalhousing.org/application-lease/rent-increases/
[4] https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/pennsylvania-rent-increase-laws
