This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about issues relating to Tenants Rights
in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Can my landlord increase my rent?
Information from PhillyTenant.org on rental increases and your rights in Philadelphia County. This article contains: (1) Can my landlord increase my rent? (2) When can my landlord increase my rent? (3) Can I negotiate a rent increase? (4) My rent is subsidized. Can my landlord increase my rent?
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. (2025)
Landlord’s Interference With a Tenant’s Right to Utility Service
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on a Tenant's rights regarding utility service in a rented residence. This includes who is responsible for paying the gas, electric, and/or water and sewer bills; what is included in the rent and what is not; and does utility service need to be put in the tenant's name or will the landlord put it in their name. [PDF] (June 2011)
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence 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 updated the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in July 2025.
Moving Before Your Lease Is Up?
Information about your rights and obligations, and your landlord's rights and opbligations when you move out before your lease is up. (June 2010)
Tenant Background Checks and Your Rights
This resource, compiled jointly by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Department of Justice explains what a tenant background check is, how consumers can dispute errors, and what rights consumers have under the law. Understanding this process can help you protect yourself and take action if you are denied rental housing or face other housing challenges because of errors in your tenant screening report
Appealing a Landlord/Tenant Judgment for Possession Pro Se
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file an Appeal to the Court of Common Pleas without the assistance of an attorney if the Magisterial District Judge rules against you in a lawsuit filed by your landlord. (June 2011)
Appealing a Landlord/Tenant Judgment for Possession Pro Se
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file an Appeal to the Court of Common Pleas without the assistance of an attorney if the Magisterial District Judge rules against you in a lawsuit filed by your landlord. (June 2011)
Housing Code Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet from MidPenn Legal Services outlining various house code issues and tenants rights. (May 2010)
Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Philadelphia County
Flyer describing the housing rights of victims of domestic and sexual violence under local Philadelphia law.
How to Get Your Landlord to Make Repairs (Video)
Video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, offering information on how to get your landlord to make necessary repairs to your rental property.
Landlord’s Interference With a Tenant’s Right to Utility Service
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on a Tenant's rights regarding utility service in a rented residence. This includes who is responsible for paying the gas, electric, and/or water and sewer bills; what is included in the rent and what is not; and does utility service need to be put in the tenant's name or will the landlord put it in their name. [PDF] (June 2011)
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence 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 updated the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in July 2025.
Moving Before Your Lease Is Up?
Information about your rights and obligations, and your landlord's rights and opbligations when you move out before your lease is up. (June 2010)
Renters: Is Your Landlord Being Foreclosed?
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on your rights if your landlord is facing foreclosure of the property you are living in. (May 2011)
Repair & Deduct - Tenant's Right to a Safe and Decent Home
Informational guide from MidPenn Legal Services for tenants which explains their right to a safe and decent home and the right to deduct the cost of necessary repairs from future rents if the landlord fails to make repairs. June 2010.
Tenants' Rights in Dealing with Bed Bugs
Information from North Penn Legal Services on Tenants' rights in dealing with a bed bug problem. Bed bugs are tiny wingless insects that survive solely on the blood of warm blooded animals. The number of bed bug infestations has risen dramatically. This provides information on legal and practical options for dealing with the problem. [PDF] (February 2014)
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. (2025)
Tenant Background Checks and Your Rights
This resource, compiled jointly by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Department of Justice explains what a tenant background check is, how consumers can dispute errors, and what rights consumers have under the law. Understanding this process can help you protect yourself and take action if you are denied rental housing or face other housing challenges because of errors in your tenant screening report
Can my landlord increase my rent?
Information from PhillyTenant.org on rental increases and your rights in Philadelphia County. This article contains: (1) Can my landlord increase my rent? (2) When can my landlord increase my rent? (3) Can I negotiate a rent increase? (4) My rent is subsidized. Can my landlord increase my rent?