States/Pennsylvania/Double-Damages Rule
✓ Pennsylvania statute verified
Pennsylvania renter guide

Pennsylvania Double-Damages Security Deposit Rule

Section 512(c) provides a potential double-damages remedy when the landlord fails to pay the difference between the escrow and actual tenant-caused damages within the statutory period. It is a court remedy, not an automatic online calculation.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited
Potential remedyDouble the amount wrongfully withheld

The exact statutory measure is tied to the amount by which escrow plus unpaid interest exceeds actual damages as determined by a court.

Do not label every late refund double damages automatically

The statutory elements and actual-damage calculation matter. Preserve the escrow amount, returned amount, timing, damage list and written forwarding-address evidence before evaluating a claim.

Statewide baseline only. Local rules and the exact tenancy facts can change the analysis. This page is educational information, not legal advice.

Official sources

Related Pennsylvania guides