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Pennsylvania security deposit demand letter
Also: Pennsylvania security deposit return deadline (30 days)
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.
The rule in plain English
Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted (whichever is first), the landlord must give a written list of damages and pay the difference between the deposit (plus any unpaid interest) and actual damages. A landlord who fails to provide the list within 30 days forfeits the right to withhold any portion or sue for damages to the premises.
Statute: 68 P.S. § 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 512)
Deadline calculator
Enter a move-out date.
Steps for tenants
You must give the landlord your new address in writing when you leave, or the landlord is relieved of liability under this section (§ 512(e)).
Penalty & remedies
Failure to pay within 30 days makes the landlord liable for double the amount by which the deposit exceeds actual damages (§ 512(c)).
What to put in your letter
What to put in your Pennsylvania demand letter: your forwarding address, move-out date, deposit paid, amount returned, and a short list of disputed charges. Quote 68 P.S. § 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 512) and summarize the rule in your own words: Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted (whichever is first), the landlord must… Ask for payment by a specific date and say you will consider small claims court if needed. Mention you are sending the letter certified mail.
Going further
Pennsylvania requires a written damage list within 30 days. If you did not give a forwarding address in writing when you left, your landlord may argue the section does not apply—send your address now with your demand if you have not already. Interest on deposits can matter in some leases; mention only what your lease and receipts show. Compare the landlord’s list to your move-out photos room by room. A polite but firm letter that cites the Landlord and Tenant Act section signals you know the timeline.
Read more about what to do if your landlord ignores your demand letter.
Sources
Last checked: October 20, 2026
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FAQ
How long does a Pennsylvania landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days under 68 P.S. § 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 512). Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted (whichever is first), the landlord must give a written list of damages and pay the difference between the deposit (plus any unpaid interest) and actual damages. A landlord who fails to provide the list within 30 days forfeits the right to withhold any portion or sue for damages to the premises.
What should Pennsylvania tenants do before move-out?
You must give the landlord your new address in writing when you leave, or the landlord is relieved of liability under this section (§ 512(e)).
Can DepositLetter cite other laws for me?
We only cite the verified statute and rule on this page—not extra penalties unless listed above.
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Use the button below or visit the home page with your state in the dropdown.
Is this legal advice?
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.