Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the earlier of the end of the tenancy and the surrender of the unit. Interest: conditional. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: 2x the amount withheld. (68 P.S. 250.511a-250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, secs. 511.1-512))

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the earlier of the end of the tenancy and the surrender of the unit.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, other lease obligations. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: Conditional.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the refund or statement is late.
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

Every landlord shall within thirty days of termination of a lease or upon surrender and acceptance of the leasehold premises, whichever first occurs, provide a tenant with a written list of any damages to the leasehold premises for which the landlord claims the tenant is liable.

68 P.S. 250.512(a) (Act of 1951, sec. 512(a)). Source: Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (Act 20), Article V incl. secs. 511.1-512 (68 P.S. 250.511a-250.512), read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (2)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Sections 511.1-512 last amended 1972 per the official text (fetched 2026-10-09). 2024 Act 88 (squatters) did not touch them (secondary).
Some secondary sites claim a receipt duty; the statute has none.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the earlier of the end of the tenancy and the surrender of the unit.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: 68 P.S. 250.511a-250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, secs. 511.1-512) (Pennsylvania)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Interest credited                                 see note
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Interest: Tenant gets the account interest less 1% per annum the landlord keeps as administrative expense, paid annually on the lease anniversary; unpaid interest is returned with the deposit. Amount unknown without the account rate.
- Itemized under 68 P.S. 250.511a-250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, secs. 511.1-512).

Settle a deposit in Pennsylvania

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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