This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Security Deposit issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Common Landlord-Tenant Myths (Video)
This video, Common Landlord-Tenant Myths, provides information on most of the problems arising during the tenancy, including written versus oral leases, eviction notices, illegal self-help evictions, security deposits, and warranty of habitability.
Tenant and Landlord Relationships (Audio-MP3)
This is an episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 7/12/07. Consumer Protection Law in Pennsylvania and Landlord/Tenant Relationships are discussed by NWLS Attorneys John Gandrud & David Hull in this episode. (28:15)
Tenants Rights
Information on the rights of tenants in a landlord and tenant relationship.
Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights
The Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and the Impact Litigation Division of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers this Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights in Pennsylvania. The Guide provides an overview of the state and federal legal requirements that govern the landlord-tenant relationship, as well as best practices when renting a place to live. The Guide informs you about what to look for when applying to rent and reviewing a lease, what to expect while renting, and what to anticipate when a lease ends.
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence from a landlord from North Penn Legal Services (NPLS). Fair housing (housing discrimination) information is included throughout the entire handbook. There is a Lehigh Valley Edition and a Northeast PA Edition. NPLS revised the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in December 2019.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Tenants' Rights - Going to Court
Northwestern Legal Services provides general information for tenants regarding district justice court hearings.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
Security Deposits
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on tenants' rights relating to security deposits.
How to Get Your Security Deposit Back from Your Landlord (Video)
Video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, explaining your rights in regard to a security deposit you paid when renting an apartment or home, including the steps necessary to recover that deposit when leaving the residence.
Security Deposits (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association discussed the situation where tenants do not receive their security deposits back from the landlords when they move out of the property. Find out what type of notice you need to give your landlord and what to do if your landlord does not give your deposit back.
How to Protect Your Security Deposit
This informational brochure from Northwestern Legal Services provides an overview of what a security deposit is and why you should create a checklist upon moving into an apartment.
Security Deposits
Information for tenants from Northwestern Legal Services on the amount of security deposits, how to obtain the return of your deposit, the landlord's obligations, and what to do if the landlord refuses to return the deposit.
Security Deposits
Flyer on security deposits including the steps you should take to have your deposit returned to you. (June 2016)
Tips for Moving out and for Getting the Security Deposit Back
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on recovering your security deposit.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Courts
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Tenants' Rights - Going to Court
Northwestern Legal Services provides general information for tenants regarding district justice court hearings.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Common Landlord-Tenant Myths (Video)
This video, Common Landlord-Tenant Myths, provides information on most of the problems arising during the tenancy, including written versus oral leases, eviction notices, illegal self-help evictions, security deposits, and warranty of habitability.
Tenant and Landlord Relationships (Audio-MP3)
This is an episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 7/12/07. Consumer Protection Law in Pennsylvania and Landlord/Tenant Relationships are discussed by NWLS Attorneys John Gandrud & David Hull in this episode. (28:15)
A Tenant's Guide to Renting
This handbook from Neighborhood Legal Services Association is designed to address some common problems that you may face as a tenant. It addresses a number issues including Searching for a rental unit; Reviewing and signing your lease; Moving into your new rental unit; Living in your rental unit; and Moving out. [PDF] (2010)
Tenants Rights
Information on the rights of tenants in a landlord and tenant relationship.
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence from a landlord from North Penn Legal Services (NPLS). Fair housing (housing discrimination) information is included throughout the entire handbook. There is a Lehigh Valley Edition and a Northeast PA Edition. NPLS revised the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in December 2019.
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.
Philly Tenant Resource Guide [PDF]
Resource from the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project providing information for people facing eviction in Philadelphia. The guide also provides contact information for agencies and organizations that provide assistance to people facing eviction on a variety of legal and practical topics, including housing, utilities, food, health and work. (2018)
Security Deposits
Information on the legal issues concerning security deposits from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)
Landlord Rights
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on a landlord's rights regarding security deposits and eviction notices in a residential lease agreement. (August 2018)
Renting a House or Apartment
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (September 2020)
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.
Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights
The Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and the Impact Litigation Division of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers this Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights in Pennsylvania. The Guide provides an overview of the state and federal legal requirements that govern the landlord-tenant relationship, as well as best practices when renting a place to live. The Guide informs you about what to look for when applying to rent and reviewing a lease, what to expect while renting, and what to anticipate when a lease ends.
Handbook on Rules and Procedures for Landlord-Tenant Relations in the Fifth Judicial District - Allegheny County
This handbook outlines what a tenant in Allegheny County should know if they have a dispute with their landlord. It details how a tenant can avoid court, instances when a tenant can bring their landlord to court and what to do if a tenant must go to court. Download PDF version. (January 2019)
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.
Philly Tenant Resource Guide [PDF]
Resource from the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project providing information for people facing eviction in Philadelphia. The guide also provides contact information for agencies and organizations that provide assistance to people facing eviction on a variety of legal and practical topics, including housing, utilities, food, health and work. (2018)
Repairs & Security Deposit
Information from the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania on renter's rights regarding repairs and security deposits.
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.