What kind of repairs must Pennsylvania landlords make?

Landlords must repair any issue affecting health and safety, such as plumbing, heating, electrical systems, leaks, or infestations.

How do I notify my landlord about needed repairs?

You should send a dated letter or email describing the problem and requesting a fix. Keep copies of all communication for your records.

Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made?

In certain cases involving serious habitability issues, rent withholding may be allowed, but you must follow legal procedures. Seek legal advice first.

Who do I contact if my landlord ignores my repair requests?

Contact your local city or municipality’s housing/code enforcement office. If necessary, you may also file a Landlord/Tenant Complaint in Magisterial District Court.

Is my landlord allowed to evict me for reporting problems?

No. Pennsylvania law prohibits landlords from evicting or retaliating against you for asserting your rights about repairs.

Pennsylvania Landlord Repair Responsibilities Explained

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Pennsylvania published: June 21, 2025

If you rent in Pennsylvania and face repair or maintenance issues, understanding your landlord’s duties under state law can give you peace of mind and help keep your home safe. This article breaks down Pennsylvania landlord repair responsibilities, what to expect, and how you can make sure your unit remains habitable.

What Landlords Must Repair Under Pennsylvania Law

Landlords in Pennsylvania are required by law to keep rental homes “fit for human habitation.” That means your landlord must take care of essential repairs and maintenance to keep your home safe and livable. Common requirements include:

Maintaining plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in safe working order
Repairing leaks, holes, or structural issues
Providing safe water, heat, and other vital services
Addressing pest infestations and sanitation hazards

These duties are based on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s “Implied Warranty of Habitability,” and enforced through various local housing codes. For more, see the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act (68 P.S. § 250.101 et seq.).^[1]

Your Rights If Repairs Are Needed

When a problem affects your health or safety—like no heat in winter or unsafe wiring—you have the right to request repairs. Pennsylvania law protects tenants from retaliation for asking for needed repairs or reporting code violations.

Steps to Request Repairs

Notify your landlord about the issue in writing, describing the repair needed and the date you noticed it.
Keep copies of all communications (emails, letters, texts) for your records.
Allow a reasonable time for your landlord to make the repair, especially for urgent issues.

If your landlord doesn’t respond, you may have the right to report the issue to your local housing code enforcement office or seek legal remedies. For some serious habitability problems, you might be able to withhold rent or pay for repairs and deduct the cost, but this can be risky—consider legal advice first!

If your health or safety is at stake, act quickly and document everything. Prompt written notice is usually required to protect your rights.

Official Forms: Notifying and Enforcing Repairs

Notice to Landlord to Repair (Form not standardized statewide): Use a written letter or email stating what needs fixing, when you first noticed the problem, and what you want done. This is your first and most important step.
Example: You discover a broken heater. Write to your landlord: “The heater in my apartment is not working since January 5. Please repair it as soon as possible.”
Complaint to Code Enforcement/Health Department: If your landlord does not respond, you can file a complaint with your municipality’s code enforcement office. Each city/town may have its own complaint form (check your city or county’s housing/code website). For example, Philadelphia’s online housing complaint system.
Landlord-Tenant Complaint (PA Magisterial District Court Form AOPC 310A): If repairs are not made and you seek compensation, rent abatement, or another remedy, this is used to start a case in Magisterial District Court. See the official Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form (310A).
Example: Your landlord refuses to fix major leaks. After notice and waiting, you file a complaint in court, attaching your repair requests as evidence.

Always check with your local city or county government for specific requirements on complaint forms or notices, as procedures can differ by municipality.

What Is the Official Tribunal or Board?

In Pennsylvania, disputes over landlord repair responsibilities are usually handled by the Magisterial District Courts. This is where tenants can file cases for unresolved repairs, rent issues, or related matters.

Tenant Protections Under State Law

Retaliation is illegal. Your landlord cannot evict, raise your rent, or otherwise retaliate just because you exercise your repair rights. Protections and procedures may vary if you live in subsidized or public housing—see your local housing authority for specific info.

Quick Summary: Landlord Duties and Your Action Steps

Your landlord must make necessary repairs to keep your unit safe and habitable.
You must notify your landlord (preferably in writing) if something needs fixing.
If unresolved, you may file complaints with code enforcement or take court action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of repairs must Pennsylvania landlords make? Landlords must repair anything that affects health and safety—like plumbing, heat, electricity, leaks, or pest infestations.
How do I notify my landlord about needed repairs? Write a dated letter or email describing the problem clearly and ask for it to be fixed. Keep copies for your records.
Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made? Sometimes, but only for major habitability issues—and you must follow legal procedures carefully. Consider talking to a lawyer first.
Who do I contact if my landlord ignores my repair requests? File a complaint with your city or municipality’s housing/code enforcement office, and if needed, file a Landlord/Tenant Complaint in Magisterial District Court.
Is my landlord allowed to evict me for reporting problems? No, state law protects you from eviction or other retaliation for exercising your tenant rights.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Renters

Landlords are legally required to keep rentals safe and livable.
Always report repair issues in writing and keep documentation.
Help is available if your landlord doesn’t act—know your options and use official resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: Renters’ Resources
Find Your Local Magisterial District Court
PA Law Help: Repairs & Habitability Information
Philadelphia: Report Housing Code Violations
For legal questions, try your local legal aid office—visit PA Legal Aid