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States/Pennsylvania/Deposit Limits
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Pennsylvania renter guide

Pennsylvania Security Deposit Limits by Year of Tenancy

Section 511.1 does not use one lifetime cap. It permits a larger escrow during the first year, then limits required escrow to one month’s rent during the second and subsequent years or renewals.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited
Year 1Up to 2 months

Residential escrow cap under Section 511.1(a).

Year 2+Up to 1 month

Residential escrow cap under Section 511.1(b).

5+ years in possessionNo deposit increase with rent increase

Section 511.1(d) restricts a concomitant security-deposit increase.

What to compare

  • Original lease date.
  • Current rent.
  • Current amount still held as security.
  • Any refund or credit after the first year.
Statewide baseline only. Local rules and the exact tenancy facts can change the analysis. This page is educational information, not legal advice.

Official sources

Pennsylvania General AssemblySection 511.1–511.2 — escrow limits and interest ↗

Primary law for first-year and later-year deposit limits, escrow notice and interest after the second anniversary.

Related Pennsylvania guides

Security Deposit →30-Day Rule →Forwarding Address →Deposit Interest →