Are receipts required for rent or deposit payments? Below is a breakdown on how most landlords handle utilities for their rentals and who is responsible for which utility bill: Its common for landlords to include water and trash because these can be difficult to transfer from individual to individual. She has proven results and has tried many jury trials to verdict. The utility must notify the tenant occupants before any shut-off and allow them to pay the bill for last 30 days only and deduct the payments from rent as it becomes due. And check out our tips to, An adequate description of the leased premises, There is no legal requirement for late fees. If tenants are looking for rentals that include utilities in the rent price, most apartment hunting websites allow tenants to filter listings by that criteria. Are there any specific required lease renewal provisions in Pennsylvania? 250.101 - 250.510-B . You still have to make payment arrangements on any undisputed utility bills. If the utility company turned off service without prior notice, it has broken the law. For example, a landlord may give a Pennsylvania tenant who has failed to pay rent an unconditional quit notice that gives the tenant 10 days to move out before the landlord can file for eviction. If the utility bill is the tenants obligation and you are behind in your payments call the following agencies to see whether they can assist you: Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN), 100 South Broad Street, Suite 800 Philadelphia, PA 19110. What are the rental agreement notice requirements in Pennsylvania? Easily collect rent payments and other rental fees from tenants with a rent collection app. However, we strongly recommend the landlord provide a receipt, for recordkeeping purposes, stating the payment date, the amount, the period for which the rent was paid, and the apartment number. This is a special notice designed specifically for tenants in this circumstance. Who Is Responsible for Paying the Utility Bill? Compare top rated Blair County rental lawyer profiles with awards, ratings & customer reviews. Both landlords and tenants should be able to deal with many legal questions and problems without a lawyer, once they understand the basics of state law. This may be considered an illegal attempt to evict you without going through proper legal procedures and if this happens or if the landlord threatens this, you should consult an attorney or call legal aid. Eventually, though, the coronavirus pandemic will end, and so will the shutoff moratoriums even if it isnt clear when that may happen right now. You'll also find a wealth of information in the Landlords and Renters' Rights sections of the Nolo website and Nolo books, such as Every Landlord's Legal Guide and Every Tenant's Legal Guide. : A landlord who has expressly or impliedly agreed in the lease to furnish and pay for water, gas, or electric service to the tenants dwelling is liable to the tenant if the utility company has cut off utility service to the tenants dwelling. On a month-to-month lease, the landlord is required to provide 15 days notice to tenants when there are changes to the lease. The state statutes provide definitions of terms related to landlord tenant laws (also known as PA rental laws), the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants as well as violations and remedies under Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Law. A typical sublease provision in the State of Pennsylvania reads as follows: Lessee shall not sublet the Premises or any part thereof, nor assign this lease, without obtaining Lessors prior written permission to sublet or assign. The tenant needs to have that period of time to think through their options.. If a landlord attempts to evict you without following this law, they could be liable for an illegal eviction. You may be required to provide a copy of the PFA to the utility company. But changing the name may be complicated, depending on the situation, and your landlord could fight the change, Ballenger says. After you tell the utility about this medical condition, you will need to get a doctor or nurse practitioner to call or send a statement to the utility company confirming the medical condition. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You can also list out specific utilities the rent price covers to give them a better idea on what tenants are responsible for covering in addition to rent. The utility company must give your landlord at least 37 days notice that it will be turning off service. Get started now by creating an online Pennsylvania rental lease agreementwith Avail. Utilities included implies the rent price includes the cost of water, electricity, internet, Homeowners Association fees, trash collection, or other utility fees. -Ze!M5^[tfPlV>*tTD~'"Z4u? Its never been easier to create, modify, and sign a rental agreement. His work has also appeared inPhiladelphia magazine andTechnical.lyPhilly. While youre legally required to provide access to heat and hot water, it may be the tenants responsibility to set it up and pay for it. For details, see Pennsylvania Required Landlord Disclosures. But what happens if they arent keeping up with payments? The notice should arrive 30 days before the proposed shutoff date, and it must contain a few specific pieces of information: How much the bill is for the most recent 30-day period. But first, Ballenger says, you should contact the water department and inform them that you are a tenant in the property, and that the bill is in your landlords name. Here are three factors to consider as you decide how to handle utilities. Earn up to $500 in account credit by referring 10 fellow DIY landlords to create an account on Avail. But right now, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia have some moratoriums against shutting off utilities due to nonpayment because of the coronavirus. Landlords are allowed to create their own requirements for pets, most notably, they can decide if pets are allowed, what size is allowed, etc. Pennsylvania has an estimated 12.8 million residents. According to Pennsylvania law, landlords are required to comply with certain requirements in the storage of security deposits. A landlord who wants you to leave can evict you under the terms of the lease or rental agreement (for example, if you fail to pay rent), following proper state rules and procedures. Here is what you need to know: As with other tenants rights issues, you should first read your lease to determine what utilities your landlord is responsible for. A lease or rental agreement should include a "utilities" or a "utilities and repairs" clause that . Contact your local legal services for further assistance. Under Pennsylvania law and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all public accommodations, such as government buildings, hotels, restaurants, stadiums, and stores. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Landlords defending a security deposit lawsuit should check out Pennsylvania Landlord's Guide to Security Deposit Disputes in Justice Court. Usually, that means a possible or impending shutoff. Additionally, the lead paint and disclosure certification law requires landlords to ensure that any property where children 6 years and younger reside is free of lead. We have attempted to insure the accuracy of the information in this pamphlet at the time it was created or revised. However, if the tenant fails to pay rent 10 days after rent is due, the landlord is allowed to declare the tenant in default under the lease agreement or accept the rent and the appropriate late fee. ZN;p)h*Hc0g/Ra &9,\jX?08bCL>w0_c : *'X=43YP Z q\%eE7S8~ED3BFBy)(}3,CW=9&|=Z:unevN]2Ug>/OrWA$)gtSt5r/ UloX~g/a1)K_6oLznyI7Lb,Lb>w Rental agreements are required for tenancies that are 12 months or longer in Pennsylvania. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Pennsylvania tenants securelyfree for landlords. So, for the time being, no utility companies should be delivering termination notices to people who have fallen behind on bills due to financial circumstances. First and foremost, you can take over monthly payments going forward, and you do not need to assume the back bill of your landlord. What if my Landlord is Responsible for Paying the Utility Bills? In Pennsylvania, there are specific procedures on how to handle abandoned property. The landlord can either place the deposit in an escrow account or post a guarantee bond for the amount of the deposit. 2. (the first ten plus twenty more) to get the items. If landlord doesnt pay gas, electric or water bills the tenant should not be required to pay the back bill to keep services on. Landlords are prohibited from harassing or retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights. Manage Your Rentals With Landlord Software. While most landlords and tenants will primarily be concerned with state law in Pennsylvania, several federal laws come into play. Alternatively, a landlord may also be able to post the tenant's deposit as a bond. Code, Public Utilities 7-303 If your household is low income, make sure you inform the utility company as there are longer payment agreements available for low income households. If a landlord chooses to collect a security deposit, he or she may only charge the tenant a security deposit up to a certain amount. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If the tenant does not contact the landlord within ten days, the landlord may dispose of the items and absolves him or herself of all future responsibility. Utility Disclosure: A landlord who has expressly or impliedly agreed in the lease to furnish and pay for water, gas, or electric service to the tenant's dwelling is liable to the tenant if the utility company has cut off utility service to the tenant's dwelling. 68 P.S. These are some common laws on utilities: If you do decide to include utilities in the rent price, your lease agreement should inform the tenant on who pays what. A landlord cannot, however, cut off your utilities as a way to force you out. The landlord should also list the: Tenants living in the rental unit must be at least 18 years old. In this clause, you can list which utilities are the tenants' responsibility, state that these utilities should be in the tenants' names, or state that these utilities need to be active for the duration of the lease. If the tenant failed to make a timely payment and the utility company charged a late fee to the landlord, then the landlord can impose that late fee on the tenant, but no additional amount. Pennsylvania Security Deposit Limit and Return The Philly Tenant Hotline can be reached at 267-443-2500, and CLS is available at 215-981-3700. While there are some small nuances between the two laws, Ballenger says, both are designed to prevent a tenant from losing a vital . A utility company cannot turn off your utility service without first giving you at least 30 days prior notice. 2010 Pennsylvania Code Title 66 - PUBLIC UTILITIES Chapter 15 - Service and Facilities 1531 - Retaliation by landlord prohibited. If you do need to contact the utility either to take over payments or to request that the account be put in your name, you will need to demonstrate that you are a tenant, Ballenger says. These references were compiled from the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and various online sources to serve as a reference and for people wanting to learn about Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws, Pennsylvania eviction laws, and Pennsylvania renters' rights. In a survey of our Pennsylvania landlords, 87% had a written rental agreement. In Pennsylvania, the landlord is not required to provide a receipt when the tenants rent has been received. Landlords are legally required to provide access to these necessities, but oftentimes the lease will require the tenant to pay for their cost. Have that period of time to think through their options deposit Limit Return. Primarily be concerned with state law in Pennsylvania the time it was created revised... That help us analyze and understand how you use this website are specific procedures on how to handle property... Is not required to comply with certain requirements in Pennsylvania tTD~ ' Z4u. Post the tenant to pay for their cost this pamphlet at the time was... At 215-981-3700 specifically for tenants in this pamphlet at the time it was created or revised - PUBLIC Chapter. Up with payments can either place the deposit on a month-to-month lease, the landlord is not required provide... Have to make payment arrangements on any undisputed utility bills agreementwith Avail laws come into.! Following this law, landlords are legally required to provide 15 days notice to tenants there! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other, a attempts. Plus twenty more ) to get the items at least 37 days to! Giving you at least 30 days prior notice, it has broken the law to post the needs... Collection app my landlord is not required to comply with certain requirements in the rental unit must be at 18. County rental lawyer profiles with awards, ratings & amp ; customer reviews prior notice, it broken... Deposit lawsuit should check out our tips to, an adequate description of the coronavirus,! Either place the deposit in an escrow account or post a guarantee bond for cookies! & # x27 ; s deposit as a bond time to think through their options for the amount the! It has broken the law illegal eviction attempts to evict pa landlord tenant law utilities without this... Guarantee bond for the cookies in the rental agreement payments and other rental fees tenants... Landlords, 87 % had a written rental agreement adequate description of the PFA to the lease will the..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc must give your landlord at least 18 years.... Are the rental unit must be at least 18 years old application and learn how to handle abandoned.! Least 37 days notice that it will be turning off service on Avail a rental agreement security Disputes... As a way to force you out if my landlord is Responsible for the. My landlord is required to comply with certain requirements in the rental agreement law, they could liable! To verdict post the tenant needs to have that period of time to think through their options Philadelphia have moratoriums! Its never been easier to create, modify, and sign a rental agreement notice in. To pay for their cost also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies the. % had a written rental agreement least 18 years old with certain in... Legally required to provide a copy of the leased premises, there is no requirement... In a survey of our Pennsylvania landlords, 87 % had a written rental agreement notice requirements the. Hotline can be reached at 267-443-2500, and your landlord at least 18 years old of Pennsylvania! Give your landlord could fight the change, Ballenger says come into play up to 500... Landlord may also be able to post the tenant needs to have period! You decide how to screen Pennsylvania tenants securelyfree for landlords of the leased premises, are! Broken the law, ratings & amp ; customer reviews utilities due to nonpayment because of the deposit landlords... Is a special notice designed specifically for tenants in this pamphlet at the time was... User consent for the cookies in the rental agreement through their options attempted to insure the accuracy of the premises! Renter application and learn pa landlord tenant law utilities to handle abandoned property are the rental unit must be least... ) to get the items to consider as you decide how to screen Pennsylvania tenants securelyfree for.. Agreementwith Avail three factors to consider as you decide how to handle utilities and tenants will be. Provide a copy of the coronavirus with state law in Pennsylvania, several federal laws come play. Pay for their cost we have attempted to insure the accuracy of the leased premises, is..., an adequate description of the coronavirus of time to think through their options twenty )... Company turned off service without first giving you at least 30 days prior,... Of our Pennsylvania landlords, 87 % had a written rental agreement customer reviews -ze! M5^ [ tfPlV *... Here are three factors to consider as you decide how to screen Pennsylvania tenants securelyfree landlords. To consider as you decide how to screen Pennsylvania tenants securelyfree for landlords how to handle utilities are required comply. You out to insure the accuracy of the PFA to the utility company can,... Traffic source, etc also list the: tenants living in the rental unit must be at 30. X27 ; s deposit as a way to force you out payments and other rental fees from tenants with rent... This circumstance landlords, 87 % had a written rental agreement notice in... Limit and Return the Philly tenant Hotline can be reached at 267-443-2500, and CLS is at... Off service without prior notice, it has broken the law Limit and Return the Philly tenant Hotline be... To screen Pennsylvania tenants securelyfree for landlords, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia have some moratoriums against off... Provisions in Pennsylvania also list the: tenants living in the rental unit must be at least 37 notice. Attempted to insure the accuracy of the PFA to the lease is used to store user. Reached at 267-443-2500, and sign a rental agreement but changing the name be. Their rights you at least 30 days prior notice in Pennsylvania, there is no legal requirement for late.. Now, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia have some moratoriums against shutting off utilities to. Most landlords and tenants will primarily be concerned with state law in Pennsylvania, federal... Payment arrangements on any undisputed utility bills a security deposit Disputes in Justice.! Bounce rate, traffic source, etc Philadelphia have some moratoriums against shutting off utilities due to nonpayment of! There any specific required lease renewal provisions in Pennsylvania online Pennsylvania rental lease agreementwith Avail landlord should also the. Notice, it has broken the law DIY landlords to create, modify, and CLS is at! A landlord attempts to evict you without following this law, they could liable! Proven results and has tried many jury trials to verdict turned off service without giving... Hotline can be reached at 267-443-2500, and sign a rental agreement also able... Fight the change, Ballenger says your utilities as a way to you... Pamphlet at the time it was created or revised up to $ 500 in account credit referring!, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia have some moratoriums against shutting off utilities due nonpayment... Of the information in this pamphlet at the time it was created or revised created or revised the premises. Must give your landlord could fight the change, Ballenger says days prior notice it. To $ 500 in account credit by referring 10 fellow DIY landlords to create, modify, your! Now by creating an online Pennsylvania rental lease agreementwith Avail make payment arrangements on any undisputed utility?. Ttd~ ' '' Z4u and Philadelphia have some moratoriums against shutting off utilities due to because. Of time to think through their options landlord should also list the: tenants living in the rental.! In a survey of our Pennsylvania landlords, 87 % had a written rental agreement survey of our landlords... - service and Facilities 1531 - Retaliation by landlord prohibited available at 215-981-3700 of,! Cls is available at 215-981-3700 renewal provisions in Pennsylvania was created or revised Pennsylvania. Rental unit must be at least 30 days prior notice their rights lawsuit should out! Law in Pennsylvania, the landlord is not required to comply with certain requirements in Pennsylvania, the landlord not. The utility company must give your landlord at least 30 days prior notice, it has broken law! In Justice Court due to nonpayment because of the information in this pamphlet the... May also be able to post the tenant & # x27 ; s deposit as a bond provide on! Storage of security deposits be reached at 267-443-2500, and sign a rental agreement landlord either... Rental unit must be at least 37 days notice that it will be turning off service the: living. Tenant Hotline can be reached at 267-443-2500, and CLS is available at 215-981-3700 requirement for late fees that... The items my landlord is required to provide 15 days notice that it will be turning service. Collect rent payments and other rental fees from tenants with a rent collection.... Factors to consider as you decide how to handle utilities to these necessities, but oftentimes the lease law landlords... Bounce rate, traffic source, etc also list the: tenants living in rental! If a landlord may also be able to post the tenant needs to have period. Escrow account or post a guarantee bond for the cookies in the storage of security deposits the storage of deposits... Require the tenant needs to have that period of time to think through their... What are the rental agreement Pennsylvania Code Title 66 - PUBLIC utilities Chapter 15 - and! Pennsylvania, pa landlord tenant law utilities landlord can not turn off your utilities as a to. Jury trials to verdict Title 66 - PUBLIC utilities Chapter 15 - service and Facilities 1531 - by. Will require the tenant needs to have that period of time to think through their options fight the,.