Safe Drinking Water Requirements for Pennsylvania Rentals

Access to safe and clean drinking water in your rental home is a fundamental right for all Pennsylvania tenants. Ensuring water safety protects your health and well-being and is supported by state and federal regulations. This guide explains the standards, your rights as a renter, and steps to take if you suspect your water is unsafe.

Understanding Safe Drinking Water Standards in Pennsylvania Rentals

All residential rental properties in Pennsylvania must provide tenants with water that meets specific safety standards. Landlords are legally required to supply safe, potable (drinkable) water that's free of harmful contaminants such as lead, bacteria, or chemical pollutants. These standards are rooted in both federal and state laws designed to protect public health.

Key Laws and Regulations

• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA): Sets national standards for drinking water quality.
• Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act: Implements and enforces federal standards at the state level.
• Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act §250.206: Requires landlords to deliver leased premises in a safe and habitable condition, including water safety.

If water in your rental is provided from a public water system, it is monitored by your local authority or water provider. If your rental uses a private well, your landlord is responsible for testing and ensuring the water's safety. Unsafe water, persistent odors, discoloration, or water advisories should be reported as soon as possible.

What Landlords Must Do

• Provide clean, safe, and potable water at all times.
• Comply with required testing for private wells, especially when units change hands or upon tenant request.
• Address tenant complaints about water quality promptly.
• Maintain plumbing to prevent contamination (e.g., lead pipes, cross connections).

Your Rights as a Pennsylvania Renter

Renters have the right to expect their landlord to maintain the property in accordance with the implied warranty of habitability. This includes providing safe water. If water quality is compromised and the landlord does not resolve the issue, you may have the right to request repairs, withhold rent, or take further legal steps.^[1]

What to Do If You Suspect Unsafe Drinking Water

If you notice unusual taste, smell, discoloration, or illness related to your rental's water, follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing and describe the problem clearly.
• If using municipal water, check your water provider's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for recent test results.
• If on a private well, ask your landlord for recent test documentation or request new testing.
• If the issue is urgent or not addressed, contact your local health department or the PA Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Safe Drinking Water.

Relevant Official Forms

• DEP Water Supply Complaint Form (3900-FM-BSDW0008)
  • When to use: If your landlord does not address water quality problems and you need state involvement.
  • How renters use it: Fill out and submit to the DEP regional office serving your county.
  • Download the Water Supply Complaint Form
• Local Code Enforcement Complaint Forms
  • When to use: If water safety issues are due to building maintenance or plumbing (e.g., lead or rusted pipes).
  • How renters use it: Contact your city's Code Enforcement or Health Department—visit your city’s government website and search for "rental complaint" or "code enforcement" forms.
  • Example: Philadelphia Maintenance Complaint Process

Who Enforces Safe Water Standards?

• PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – Bureau of Safe Drinking Water
• Local Code Enforcement or Housing Offices in your city or county

In Pennsylvania, landlord-tenant matters are decided by your local Magisterial District Court (MDC), which handles disputes regarding habitability, rent withholding, and repairs under the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act.

FAQ

1. Are landlords required to test private wells in Pennsylvania rentals?
   Yes, landlords must ensure well water is safe for drinking and should perform regular testing, especially when a new tenant moves in or upon tenant request.
2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord fails to provide safe drinking water?
   Pennsylvania permits rent withholding in some cases where a serious habitability violation is not addressed, but it is recommended to first notify your landlord in writing and seek legal advice.
3. What government agency handles drinking water complaints in rentals?
   The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) investigates water quality complaints, and local Code Enforcement can address related property maintenance.
4. How do I file a water quality complaint in Pennsylvania?
   Complete the Water Supply Complaint Form and submit it to your nearest DEP regional office.
5. If my water is unsafe, what can a Magisterial District Court do?
   The MDC can order repairs, reduce rent, or grant other remedies if your landlord fails to meet habitability obligations.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Safe drinking water is a legal right for Pennsylvania renters under both federal and state law.
• Landlords must provide and maintain potable water; issues should be reported promptly in writing.
• If unresolved, renters can use DEP and Code Enforcement complaint forms or seek a remedy in Magisterial District Court under the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• PA DEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water – Information and complaint forms
• Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections – Property maintenance complaints
• Magisterial District Court (MDC) – Handles landlord-tenant disputes
• Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act – Full state legislation
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – Renter counseling and assistance

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1. Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act
2. PA Safe Drinking Water Act
3. Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and standards

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