Pennsylvania security deposit demand letter
Create a Pennsylvania security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Pennsylvania?
The primary residential security-deposit return statute is Section 512 of the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. § 250.512. The citation is used only after the factual scope questions confirm that the ordinary residential rule applies. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 — § 512.
Source: Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 — § 512 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Pennsylvania?
The landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of the lease or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever first occurs, to provide the list and return the balance. The calculator uses only the dates and events that the statute identifies as starting the clock. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(a).
Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(a) · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The landlord must provide a written list of damage for which the landlord claims liability and return the remaining deposit. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(a).
Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(a) · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a Pennsylvania landlord does not comply?
Failure to provide the written list within 30 days causes the landlord to forfeit all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit for damages and to sue the tenant for property damage. The statute does not require bad faith or willfulness for forfeiture or double liability. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(b)–(c); 68 P.S. § 250.512(b)–(e).
Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(b)–(c); 68 P.S. § 250.512(b)–(e) · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Pennsylvania require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No certified/registered-mail method is prescribed for the demand, but the tenant must provide the landlord with a new address in writing upon termination or surrender. No prescribed tenant demand form or mandatory wording applies. The statute requires the new address in writing but does not supply a template. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(e); 68 P.S. § 250.512.
Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512(e); 68 P.S. § 250.512 · Verified July 24, 2026
The primary residential security-deposit return statute is Section 512 of the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. § 250.512.