68 P.S. § 250.512: Pennsylvania security deposit rules in plain English
What 68 P.S. § 250.512 says about Pennsylvania security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Maximum deposit
- 2 months' rent in the first year; 1 month's rent from the second year on.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Deposits over $100 must be held in a separate escrow account; from the third year of the lease it must earn interest, paid to the tenant yearly minus a 1% landlord fee (68 P.S. § 250.511b). Deposits of $100 or less: no escrow or interest.
What 68 P.S. § 250.512 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
2 months' rent in the first year; 1 month's rent from the second year on.
Interest
Deposits over $100 must be held in a separate escrow account; from the third year of the lease it must earn interest, paid to the tenant yearly minus a 1% landlord fee (68 P.S. § 250.511b). Deposits of $100 or less: no escrow or interest.
Full citation: 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512 Read the official text
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FAQ: 68 P.S. § 250.512
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under 68 P.S. § 250.512?
Under 68 P.S. § 250.512, a Pennsylvania landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Pennsylvania?
2 months' rent in the first year; 1 month's rent from the second year on.
Does Pennsylvania require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a, 250.511b, 250.512.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Pennsylvania?
Deposits over $100 must be held in a separate escrow account; from the third year of the lease it must earn interest, paid to the tenant yearly minus a 1% landlord fee (68 P.S. § 250.511b). Deposits of $100 or less: no escrow or interest.
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Scan my Pennsylvania leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.