Key Lease Addendums Pennsylvania Renters Should Review

Understanding your lease is crucial, but in Pennsylvania, many important rules are tucked away in documents called “addendums.” These are extra terms or agreements attached to your main lease. Knowing which addendums to look for—and how they can affect your rights—can help you avoid surprises like unexpected fees, new restrictions, or responsibilities you weren’t planning for.

What Is a Lease Addendum in Pennsylvania?

A lease addendum is a separate document that changes, adds to, or clarifies something in your rental agreement. Addendums are legally binding if both you and your landlord sign them. They can be presented at signing or when you renew your lease, or occasionally during your tenancy (if both parties agree).

Common Lease Addendums to Watch For

Before you sign, consider whether these common addendums are included and how they could affect you:

• Pet Policy Addendum: States whether pets are allowed, breed restrictions, or deposits required.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Required if the rental was built before 1978. You must be given both the disclosure form and the EPA pamphlet.
• Maintenance/Repair Responsibility Addendum: Clarifies who is responsible for maintenance or repairs (e.g., appliances, air conditioning).
• Late Fees Addendum: Details when late fees apply, their amounts, and how you can pay.
• No-Smoking Addendum: Bans or restricts smoking on the premises.
• Renters Insurance Requirement: May require proof of insurance as a condition of your lease.
• Guest or Occupancy Limits: Specifies rules for extended guests, subletting, or maximum residents.
• Utility Payment Addendum: Explains who pays for which utilities and how shared utilities are billed.

Required Legal Disclosures and Official Forms

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (EPA Form): Required for rentals built before 1978. Landlords must provide you the EPA Lead Disclosure Form and the EPA lead safety pamphlet. This protects tenants from health hazards associated with lead paint.
  • How is it used? You and your landlord must both sign the form before you move in. For example, if you’re moving into a Philadelphia rowhome built in 1950, your landlord should provide this form and the pamphlet before you sign the lease.
• Move-In/Move-Out Condition Checklist: While not always required, it’s highly recommended. Some landlords use a standardized checklist to record the rental’s condition. Pennsylvania law doesn’t require a specific form, but you can find sample checklists through sources like the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).
  • Use this to document damages or maintenance issues at move-in and move-out for your security deposit protection.

If a landlord doesn’t provide required forms—such as the lead paint disclosure in older housing—they may be violating both state and federal law. You have the right to request these before signing or renewing any lease.

Legal Protections for Pennsylvania Renters

Pennsylvania’s main law protecting renters is the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. Additional protections are provided by federal Fair Housing laws and, for certain cities, local ordinances.

• Security Deposits: There are limits and required timelines for return—see state law for details.
• Disclosures: Required for lead hazards in older housing.
• Court Oversight: Lease disputes are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas in your county.

Always ask for an explanation of any addendum you don’t understand—by law, no addendum can override your basic rights as a renter.

What If You Disagree With an Addendum?

You are not required to sign every addendum your landlord offers. If you disagree or feel an addendum is unfair, negotiate changes before signing. If you already signed and feel an addendum violates the law or your rights, you may file a complaint with your local Court of Common Pleas or seek advice from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Landlord Tenant Section.

Steps to Take if You Notice a Problematic Addendum

• Politely ask your landlord to clarify or modify any concerning term.
• Document all communications by email or in writing.
• Get a copy of the signed lease and all addendums for your records.
• If needed, contact a local housing authority or legal aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are lease addendums legal in Pennsylvania?
   Yes, as long as both you and your landlord sign and they don’t violate state or federal law.
2. Do I have to accept a pet addendum if I don’t have pets?
   No, you only need to agree to terms that apply. Clarify the addendum or request that it be removed if it’s not relevant.
3. What should I do if my landlord adds a new addendum during my lease?
   If it’s not already in your original agreement, you don’t have to sign or accept new terms until your current lease ends unless you agree to them.
4. Where can I file a complaint about a lease addendum?
   You can contact your county’s Court of Common Pleas or the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Landlord Tenant Section.

Conclusion: What Pennsylvania Renters Should Remember

• Read all addendums closely before signing any lease in Pennsylvania.
• Request missing disclosure forms (like lead paint if built pre-1978).
• Seek help if you believe an addendum is unfair or not allowed under the law.

By understanding lease addendums, you’ll be better protected and more confident as a renter in Pennsylvania.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Renter’s Guide
• PA Attorney General’s Landlord Tenant Rights & Complaints
• Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas (handles disputes)
• For forms and legal help: Contact your local county housing authority or legal aid office found on PHFA Legal Advice Directory

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1. Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. §250.101 et seq.)
2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Requirements
3. Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Renter’s Guide

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