Pennsylvania Emergency Exit Lighting Rules for Renters

If you’re renting in Pennsylvania, knowing your rights and safety protections is essential. One critical safety standard is the emergency exit lighting required in residential buildings and apartments. Understanding how these requirements protect you—and what to do if your landlord doesn’t comply—can help you feel secure in your home.

Understanding Emergency Exit Lighting in Pennsylvania Rentals

Emergency exit lighting ensures safe and visible escape routes during power outages, fires, or other emergencies in multi-unit buildings. In Pennsylvania, rental buildings must adhere to both state fire codes and local ordinances.

• All exits and exit access paths in multi-unit dwellings must have approved, functional lighting.
• Lighting must be maintained and tested to work automatically when power fails.
• Landlords, not tenants, are responsible for installing and maintaining this lighting.

For most residential rentals, these requirements are set by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the current International Fire Code as adopted by Pennsylvania^[1].

Where Emergency Lighting Is Required

• Enclosed hallways, corridors, stairwells, and building exits
• Lobbies and common pathways in apartment complexes
• Some basements and service areas if they are part of an exit route

Single-family rentals or basement apartments inside single-family homes may be exempt. Always check your municipality’s building department for details.

Landlord Responsibilities and Tenant Rights

Landlords are required by law to provide working emergency exit lighting as part of a safe living environment. Tenants have the right to report unresolved safety issues to local code enforcement for investigation.

• If emergency lighting fails or is missing, submit a written repair request to your landlord first.
• Keep a copy of your request for your records.
• If the problem is not fixed in a reasonable time, contact your city or township Code Enforcement Office to request an inspection.

Relevant Official Forms

• Code Compliance Complaint Form – Local Municipality
  Use: File this form if your landlord does not repair unsafe conditions, like inoperative exit lighting, after being notified. Local municipality websites (for example, Philadelphia Property Code Complaint) have code complaint forms.
  How to use: Complete the online or printable form, include your building's address and description of the lighting issue, and submit it to your municipality’s code office.

Always check your local municipality website for the correct and current complaint form.

Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes

Rental disputes, habitability concerns, and repair issues—including emergency exit lighting—are generally handled in Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts. These courts are responsible for landlord-tenant cases in Pennsylvania^[2].

Pennsylvania Tenancy Laws and Fire Safety References

• Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. §§ 250.101 et seq.) – Governs rental rights and responsibilities
• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) (34 Pa. Code § 403.27) – Residential exit illumination and emergency lighting
• International Fire Code, as adopted in PA

FAQs: Emergency Exit Lighting for Pennsylvania Renters

1. Who is responsible for fixing emergency exit lighting in my building?
   Landlords are required to install and maintain emergency exit lighting in all common areas and escape routes.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my emergency lighting repair request?
   After your written request, file a code violation complaint with your city or township. Municipal code enforcement can inspect and order repairs.
3. How can I check if my building meets emergency exit lighting regulations?
   A local code official or fire inspector can verify if your building complies. Most multi-unit rental buildings must meet Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code standards for emergency lighting.
4. Are emergency exit lights required in every Pennsylvania rental?
   They are required in most multi-unit buildings. Single-family homes may be exempt, but always confirm with your municipality.
5. What laws protect renters if a landlord refuses to provide safe exit lighting?
   Your rights are protected under Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act and the Uniform Construction Code. Local code enforcement handles safety violations.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Pennsylvania law requires landlords to provide and maintain emergency exit lighting in multi-unit rentals.
• Always notify your landlord in writing if lighting is broken and keep records.
• If unresolved, file a code complaint with your local government for inspection and enforcement.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – Building Codes
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – Tenant/Landlord Counseling
• Magisterial District Courts – Tenant-Landlord Cases
• Find Your Local Municipality for code enforcement contacts and complaint forms

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1. Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code: Residential Exit Lighting
2. Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts – Landlord-Tenant Cases

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