Understanding Automatic Lease Renewal in Pennsylvania

Automatic lease renewal clauses are common in Pennsylvania rental agreements, but renters often wonder what rights and obligations they have when a lease term is ending. Understanding the state's rules around lease renewals can help you avoid unwanted surprises, particularly if your lease contains an automatic renewal—or "auto-renewal"—provision. This guide explains what Pennsylvania law says about automatic renewals, notice periods, and steps renters can take if facing a lease they're not ready to renew.

How Automatic Lease Renewal Works in Pennsylvania

Many Pennsylvania leases contain a provision that renews the agreement automatically unless the renter or landlord gives notice to end it by a certain date. This is sometimes called an "evergreen clause." If a lease states it will renew automatically, you must follow the notice process in the lease to avoid being locked into another term—often for 12 months.

• Check your written lease for an automatic renewal clause. This governs what notice must be given and by when.
• Pennsylvania law requires clear written disclosure of any automatic renewal clause. This clause must be in bold or conspicuous type and appear in the lease at least as large as the surrounding text.
• If a landlord requires written notice from you to not renew, they must specify the deadline—often 30 or 60 days before the end of your lease.
• If proper notice is not given, the lease may renew for another full term or convert to a month-to-month arrangement, depending on your lease and landlord's practices.

Review your lease's exact language and note any deadlines in your calendar well ahead of time.

Legal Requirements for Automatic Renewal Clauses

Under Title 68, Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act, an automatic renewal clause is legally enforceable only if it is

• Written clearly in the lease (not hidden in fine print)
• Highlighted through bold or conspicuous type
• Specifically states the amount of notice needed and the renewal period

If your lease lacks clear automatic renewal language, or the clause isn’t clearly disclosed, you may not be legally bound to automatic renewal. You can seek clarification from the landlord or get legal help.

Notice Periods and How to Prevent Automatic Renewal

The most important thing you can do is give notice in writing before your lease’s required cutoff date. Most Pennsylvania leases require 30-60 days' written notice by either the landlord or renter to not renew. This protects you from being automatically signed onto another term.

• Always deliver your non-renewal notice in writing. Keep proof (email with confirmation, certified mail receipt, or landlord signature).
• If you miss the deadline, you may be bound to another term, or your rental may default to a month-to-month lease under Pennsylvania law.
• If you have questions about the timing or process, contact Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or your local housing authority for guidance.

Relevant Official Forms for Pennsylvania Renters

• Sample Notice to Vacate (no official statewide form, but some municipal housing agencies provide templates):
  
  • Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Notice to Vacate Template
  • When and how to use: Use this form to give written notice to your landlord that you do not wish to renew your lease. For example, if your lease ends June 30 and your lease requires 60 days’ notice, deliver this by May 1.

Always use written communication and save documentation when providing notice.

Where to Turn for Lease Disputes

If you and your landlord disagree about renewal, or if you believe your automatic renewal clause was not properly disclosed, you can seek assistance through your local county Magisterial District Court (Pennsylvania’s court handling landlord-tenant cases).

Learn about landlord/tenant complaints and court procedures through the PA Courts Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center.

FAQ: Automatic Lease Renewal in Pennsylvania

1. What if I accidentally miss the notice deadline and my lease auto-renews?
   Check your lease. If the clause is clear and valid, you may be bound to another term. Contact your landlord right away—some landlords may allow flexibility or switch to month-to-month. If you believe the clause wasn’t highlighted, you may have a legal argument for invalidation.
2. Can my landlord change the terms (like rent) for a renewed lease?
   Usually, the new rent or terms must be disclosed in writing before renewal. If your lease renews automatically, the same terms generally apply unless your landlord gives notice of a change per lease rules or local law.
3. Is verbal notice to my landlord enough to stop an automatic renewal?
   No. Pennsylvania recommends written notice—email, letter with signature, or certified mail. Without documentation, it’s difficult to prove you gave notice on time.
4. Who handles official complaints about lease renewals?
   The local Magisterial District Court resolves lease disputes. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission can help if there are claims of discrimination.
5. Does Pennsylvania require landlords to use a state-approved lease or lease renewal form?
   No, but leases must include clearly marked clauses about automatic renewals. The state offers sample forms, but your landlord may use their own as long as it meets legal standards.

Conclusion: What Every Pennsylvania Renter Should Know

• Always review your lease for automatic renewal clauses and highlight notice deadlines in your calendar.
• Notice to not renew must be written and delivered before the deadline.
• If you experience a problem, helpful resources are available through local courts and the PA Human Relations Commission.

Staying proactive and informed will help you avoid unwanted renewals and maintain flexibility in your housing plans.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Find your local Magisterial District Court for lease disputes and landlord-tenant cases
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (housing discrimination or mediation)
• Notice to Vacate Form Template (use to provide official notice)
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Rental Resources
• See the full Landlord and Tenant Act for detailed rental and renewal laws

---

1. See 68 P.S. §§ 250 Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951
2. PA Courts landlord/tenant info: Landlord/Tenant Self-Help
3. Magisterial District Courts: Minor Courts
4. Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission: PHRC Housing Info

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations