Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Pennsylvania

Adding a roommate to your lease in Pennsylvania can help with rent and household expenses, but it's important to ensure you do so legally. Pennsylvania law has specific requirements for shared housing arrangements, and following them helps protect both renters and landlords. This guide explains the key legal steps, necessary forms, and where to get official support if you want to add a roommate to your lease.

Can You Add a Roommate to Any Lease in Pennsylvania?

Not all leases in Pennsylvania allow for adding roommates. Whether or not you can bring someone new into your home depends on your written lease and your landlord's approval. Most residential leases include a clause about occupancy or subleasing, so it's important to check your current agreement before making plans.

• Check your lease for any restrictions on roommates or subletting.
• Many leases require landlord written consent before anyone is added.
• Adding a roommate without landlord approval can be considered a violation and may risk eviction.

Always communicate openly with your property manager or landlord before moving forward.

What Steps Are Needed to Add a Roommate Legally?

To properly add a roommate in Pennsylvania, you must follow specific steps, some of which may require official forms or updates to your lease.

1. Review Your Current Lease Agreement

• Read clauses about "occupants" or "subleasing" carefully.
• Locate any instructions for requesting permission to add a new household member.

If the lease is silent on roommates, standard landlord-tenant law and local ordinances apply.

2. Request Written Permission from Your Landlord

• Submit your request in writing and include your potential roommate’s full name and contact information.
• Explain why you want to add the roommate and how it will affect rent or household obligations.
• Ask your landlord if they require a specific application or screening process for new occupants.

Your landlord may ask your roommate to complete a rental application. They may also run a background or credit check, as permitted by Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law.

3. Use the Correct Form to Update Your Lease

• If the landlord agrees, you and your landlord should sign a Lease Amendment Form (no standard PA form number). This form can add your roommate as an official tenant or authorized occupant.
• Alternatively, your landlord may prefer to create a new lease agreement with both tenants named on the document.

Practical example: If your landlord wants to formally update the lease, both you and your new roommate would sign the lease amendment and provide updated information to the landlord. This protects everyone’s rights under Pennsylvania law.

4. Ensure Everyone Understands Tenant Responsibilities

• If your roommate is added as a co-tenant, both of you are legally responsible for the full rent and for following all lease terms.
• Make sure everyone reads the updated lease before signing.

What if the Landlord Refuses to Add a Roommate?

Your landlord is not required to approve every request to add a roommate. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 gives property owners broad discretion, but they must follow fair housing laws and not discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

• If your request is denied, ask for the reason in writing. Some local ordinances may protect your rights in certain cities.
• Do not bring in a new roommate without approval, as it could be grounds for eviction.
• If you believe you are being treated unfairly, contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection for support.

Summary: Legal Steps to Add a Roommate in Pennsylvania

• Review your lease for roommate or sublet policies.
• Submit a written request to your landlord.
• Complete a Lease Amendment Form.
• Sign the updated lease with your new roommate.
• Keep copies for your records.

FAQ: Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing in Pennsylvania

1. Do I need landlord approval to add a roommate?
   Yes. In most cases, you must get permission and sign an updated lease with your landlord’s approval.
2. What form do I use to add a roommate to my Pennsylvania lease?
   Use a Lease Amendment Form. You can find a sample template from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services here.
3. Will my rent automatically change if I add a roommate?
   No, your rent does not automatically change, but your landlord may adjust the amount based on the updated lease agreement or number of occupants.
4. Can my landlord refuse my roommate request?
   Yes, unless refusal is based on illegal discrimination. Landlords have the right to screen and approve new tenants.
5. What if I add a roommate without telling my landlord?
   This may violate your lease and give the landlord legal grounds to begin eviction proceedings.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Check your lease and get written landlord approval before adding a roommate.
• Always sign an amended lease or complete the Lease Amendment Form for legal protection.
• Seek help from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office or local resources if you have issues or questions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection – File complaints about landlord-tenant problems.
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) – Resources for renters and shared housing information.
• Lease Amendment Form – Official sample form to update your lease.
• Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 – Full text of the current tenant law.
• The official tribunal for housing disputes is the local Court of Common Pleas in your county.

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1. 68 P.S. § 250.101 et seq., Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951
2. Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection
3. Pennsylvania Lease Amendment Form (Template)
4. Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) – Renters
5. Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas – Official Housing Tribunal

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