Pennsylvania Rent Control Laws: 2025 Guide for Renters

As rental costs continue to rise in many parts of the United States, questions about rent control and tenant protections are top of mind for renters. If you’re renting in Pennsylvania, understanding the current laws around rent increases and rent stabilization is crucial for planning your housing budget.

Is Rent Control Available in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, there are no statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws as of 2025. This means that, except for a few exceptions, landlords are generally allowed to set rental prices and increase rent when leases are renewed or extended, provided they follow the required notice rules.

Local municipalities (like cities and towns) in Pennsylvania are not authorized to enact their own rent control policies unless state law specifically allows it. As of this year, no cities in Pennsylvania have approved rent control or rent stabilization programs.^[1]

How Much Can My Rent Be Increased?

With no rent control in Pennsylvania, there is no legal cap on how much a landlord can raise your rent. However, landlords must always provide proper written notice before increasing rent on a new lease period.

• For most leases, rent increases can only happen once your current lease term ends and a new agreement begins, or if you live month-to-month at the end of your lease.
• Landlords must give notice of the rent increase equal to the notice period for termination—typically at least 15 days for leases up to one year, and 30 days for longer leases.^[2]

Your Rights Regarding Rent Increases

Even though landlords can raise rent without restriction, renters still have important rights:

• You must receive a written notice of a rent increase before it takes effect. Verbal notice is not sufficient.
• A landlord cannot raise rent in retaliation if you complain about repairs or report them for code violations, which is prohibited by Pennsylvania’s landlord-tenant laws.
• Discrimination in setting or increasing rent (based on protected characteristics like race, nationality, or disability) is illegal under federal and state fair housing laws.^[3]

Forms You May Encounter as a Pennsylvania Renter

• Notice to Quit (Form #AOPC 310-01)
  This is a written notice a landlord must give you to end your lease or evict you for nonpayment, lease violations, or at the end of lease term. If your landlord wants to end your rental or raise rent and you do not agree to the new terms, you may receive this notice. You can download the Notice to Quit (Form #AOPC 310-01) from the Pennsylvania Courts.
• Landlord Tenant Complaint (Form #AOPC 310-02)
  If a dispute over rent or eviction moves forward, your landlord may file this form with the district court. If you wish to contest the complaint, you can respond and appear for your hearing. View the Landlord Tenant Complaint form and instructions.

Tip: If you receive a Notice to Quit or a complaint filed against you, act promptly to protect your rights. Missing deadlines may lead to automatic eviction judgments.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

In Pennsylvania, rental disputes between tenants and landlords (including rent increases, evictions, and security deposit claims) are handled by the Magisterial District Courts for your area.^[4]

Pennsylvania Tenant Law: The Key Legislation

The primary legislation governing rental agreements and tenant rights in Pennsylvania is the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. This law sets the rules for notices, eviction, and fair treatment of renters, but does not include rent control provisions.^[5]

FAQ: Pennsylvania Rent Control and Rent Increases

1. Does Pennsylvania have rent control in 2025?
   No. Pennsylvania does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws, and local governments are not permitted to enact them unless state law changes.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before raising rent?
   Generally, landlords must provide written notice equal to the lease termination notice requirement (often 15 or 30 days). Check your lease terms.
3. Can my landlord raise the rent for any reason?
   Rent can be increased at lease renewal or on a month-to-month tenancy, but it cannot be raised for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
4. What should I do if I think a rent increase is unfair or illegal?
   You may file a complaint with the Magisterial District Court or seek help from a local legal aid organization or fair housing office.
5. Are there any forms I should use to respond to eviction or rent increase notices?
   If you receive a Notice to Quit or legal complaint, respond in writing and attend any scheduled court hearings. Forms are available through the PA Courts website.

Conclusion: What Pennsylvania Renters Should Know

• There is no rent control law in Pennsylvania as of 2025.
• Landlords must give proper notice for any rent increases but do not face a capped amount.
• Tenants have important rights, including protection against retaliation and discrimination.

If you feel your rights have been violated or need help handling rent increases, you have resources available.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Find Your Magisterial District Court to file a dispute or get more information about your case.
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: Free and low-cost legal help for renters.
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – Tenant Resources: Statewide guidance for renters.
• HUD Pennsylvania: Renting: Federal fair housing support and rights.

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1. See the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 for the most current statewide rental laws.
2. "Notice to Quit" requirements found in Section 501 of the Landlord and Tenant Act.
3. Fair Housing protections: See the Federal Fair Housing Act and PA Fair Housing Brochure.
4. Magisterial District Courts oversee most landlord-tenant disputes in Pennsylvania.
5. Read the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 for details on notice and tenant rights.

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