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This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For accuracy and specific guidance on landlord-tenant laws, consult an attorney before making any decisions or taking action.
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Rent increases are sometimes necessary for landlords to stay afloat market inflations and economic demands. However, it's important to note that some states in the U.S. have rent control laws in place to protect tenants and ensure affordable housing.
Pennsylvania, on the other hand, does not have a rent control or stabilization law. This means there is no statewide cap on max rent increase in Pennsylvania upon lease renewal.
While landlords can raise rent as they wish, there are specific rules that guide rent increases in Pennsylvania. For example, landlords are required to provide a written notification to tenants before they can raise rent.
That's why understanding Pennsylvania rent increase laws is essential for both property owners and tenants navigating this unregulated landscape.
This article aims to answer the question, “How much can landlords raise rent in Pennsylvania?” We will also explore the relevant laws governing rent increases in the state.
Read more: When Should a Landlord Increase the Rent?
Unlike California and Oregon with statewide rent control laws, Pennsylvania does not have any rent control or rent stabilization laws in place. Furthermore, local governments and counties are prohibited from enacting their rent control law in accordance with 68 PA Cons. Stat. Ann. §250.511.
This absence of rent control legislation in Pennsylvania gives landlords the freedom to raise rent as much as they want. However, rent increases are expected to be reasonable and reflect market conditions.
Before you can raise rent in Pennsylvania, you're required to give the tenant appropriate notice as specified in the lease agreement. Also, it's important to note that raising rent is only allowed if it's expressly specified in the lease agreement. So, ensure to review your lease agreement to make provisions for rent increases.
Read more: How Much Can A Landlord Raise The Rent?
Despite the lack of rent control, there are several Pennsylvania rent increase laws that govern how rent can be raised in the state. Landlords must ensure that any rent increase complies with these laws as well as the provisions in the lease agreements.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to raising rent in Pennsylvania.
Firstly, you'll need to decide what the new rent would be. We recommend checking the local rental market and current trends to set a competitive amount. Also, find out median prices and factor in property location, such as proximity to schools or amenities, which may influence what tenants can afford.
Use online resources like Rentometer or Zillow Rent Estimate to help you conduct a comprehensive market analysis of rentals in Pennsylvania.
Following Pennsylvania rent increase laws, landlords must provide tenants with a written notification of an intention to increase rent—the period typically ranging from 30 to 60 days—before the rent increase.
Read more: How to Increase the Rent: Free Rent Increase Letter
While landlords have the freedom to raise rent as much as they want, it's crucial that the rent increase are in compliance with both federal and state fair housing laws to avoid legal issues. As such, rent increases that are a form of discrimination towards protected classes such as race, gender, religion, or familial status are prohibited.
Learn more about Fair Housing Laws
It's important that landlords review the rental lease agreement to ensure it includes provisions that allow rent increases as well as notice requirements.
Landlords are required to abide by specific clauses related to rent increase in the lease contract to avoid potential disputes or legal complications.
To foster a good landlord-tenant relationship, landlords should ensure they communicate rent increases openly and transparently with tenants. Giving reasons behind the proposed rent increase and providing new tenants with ample opportunity to ask questions or express concerns is good practice.
Stay informed about Pennsylvania rent increase laws to ensure compliance and understand tenant rights regarding potential disputes over increases. Remember that any rent increase deemed retaliatory or discriminatory is illegal under state law.
According to Pennsylvania rent increase laws, landlords are mandated to provide tenants adequate notice before they can raise rent. The required notice varies and depends on the type of lease in place.
Below is an overview of the notice requirements for rent increases in Pennsylvania.
The notice must be written and expressly specify the new increased amount and the date when the increase will go into effect. Verbal notices are not accepted.
Failure to adhere to the notice requirements would make any rent increase illegal and tenants can challenge the rent increase. So, landlords must ensure they follow these rent increase notice rules.
Free Resource: How to Write a Friendly Landlord Rent Increase Letter
According to the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (MHCRA), manufactured home community owners are allowed to raise rent service charges or other fees. However, they are required to notify the community and renters at least 30 days before the increase is expected to take effect.
The notice must be written, posted, and mailed to the renter. Additionally, it's important to note that rent cannot be increased during the term of a lease.
There are several key legislations that govern rent increases and protect tenants' rights, including the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on various factors, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex (which encompasses gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status (such as having children under 18), and disability.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), as amended and outlined in 43 P.S. §§ 951—963, further safeguards individuals and groups from unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, national origin, handicap or disability. This includes protections for individuals who use guide or support animals due to blindness, deafness, or other physical disabilities, as well as those who train or handle such animals.
Landlords are required to comply with these federal and state fair housing laws to avoid legal consequences and promote an equitable housing environment. Violations of these laws can result in significant penalties, including fines imposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for discriminatory practices.
The most important takeaway for landlords in this article is the responsibility that comes with the flexibility of being able to raise rent as much as they want. For example, landlords must comply with Pennsylvania rent increase notice requirements and Fair Housing Act protections.
An effective way to is to a property management software like Landlord Studio. This user-friendly platform simplifies the entire process by streamlining rent collection, automating notifications for rent increases, and ensuring you stay organized and compliant with local regulations.
Create your free Landlord Studio account today to streamline rent collection and income tracking, save time, and maximize your rental property ROI.
In Pennsylvania, landlords must provide tenants with at least 30 days' written notice before implementing a rent increase. This notice should clearly state the new rent amount and the effective date of the increase.
There is no specific state law that limits how much a landlord can increase rent in Pennsylvania. Landlords have the flexibility to raise rent according to market conditions, provided that the increase is not discriminatory or retaliatory.
Yes, Philadelphia has its own housing code that may include additional guidelines and protections for tenants regarding rent increases. Tenants are encouraged to consult local resources to understand the specific regulations that apply within the city.
Landlords are permitted to increase rent only after a lease term has ended. During the lease period, the rent amount cannot be changed unless the lease agreement explicitly allows for such adjustments.
A new lease agreement is not necessary if the rent increase follows proper procedures and the tenant agrees to the new terms. It is important that any rent increases are documented and mutually agreed upon in writing.
