Security Deposit Laws in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Based on 68 P.S. § 250.512 · Last verified 2026
Philadelphia landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of move-out under 68 P.S. § 250.512. File in Philadelphia Municipal Court if they don't.
●Pennsylvania State Law
Pennsylvania Security Deposit Rules
●Local Ordinances
Philadelphia Local Tenant Protections
Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance — additional tenant protections. City requires landlords to provide deposit receipts with bank name and account number.
Philadelphia has additional local tenant protections beyond Pennsylvania state law that may strengthen your deposit claim.
●Deductions
What Can My Landlord Deduct in Philadelphia?
Allowed Deductions
- +Unpaid rent
- +Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- +Cleaning if lease requires and unit was left dirty
- +Lease-break fees if specified in lease
- +Costs to replace items tenant removed or kept
Prohibited Deductions
- ✕Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint)
- ✕Carpet replacement after useful life (typically 7-10 years)
- ✕Painting after 2+ year tenancy (normal wear)
- ✕Pre-existing damage not noted at move-in
- ✕Upgrades or improvements beyond restoring to original condition
●Court Information
Where to File Your Claim in Philadelphia
●Step-by-Step
How to File a Security Deposit Claim in Philadelphia
- 1
Send a demand letter
Before filing in court, send your landlord a formal demand letter citing 68 P.S. § 250.512. Give them 7-14 days to respond. DepositHawk can generate this letter for you.
- 2
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in/move-out photos, security deposit receipt, any communication with your landlord, and the itemized deduction list (if one was provided).
- 3
File at Philadelphia Municipal Court
Go to 1339 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 or check if online filing is available. Bring a completed small claims form and the filing fee ($35-$75). File in the county where the rental property is located.
- 4
Serve your landlord
After filing, you must formally serve your landlord with the court papers. The court clerk can explain your options — typically by certified mail or a process server.
- 5
Attend the hearing
Present your evidence to the judge. No lawyer is needed. The entire process typically takes 30-90 days from filing to judgment. If you win, Pennsylvania law may award you 2x the withheld amount in damages.
Think your Philadelphia landlord owes you money?
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●Related Resources
Other Pennsylvania Cities
This information is based on 68 P.S. § 250.512 as of 2026. Laws change. Verify current statutes at your state legislature's website. Court information should be confirmed directly with Philadelphia Municipal Court before visiting.
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit in Philadelphia?
Under 68 P.S. § 250.512, landlords in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends. They must also provide an itemized statement of any deductions.
Where do I file a small claims case for my deposit in Philadelphia?
File at Philadelphia Municipal Court, located at 1339 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The filing fee ranges from $35 to $75. No lawyer is required.
What penalties can I get if my Philadelphia landlord withholds my deposit?
Pennsylvania law provides for 2x the withheld amount as damages when a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit past the 30-day deadline.
Can my landlord deduct for normal wear and tear in Philadelphia?
No. Under 68 P.S. § 250.512, normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be deducted from your security deposit in Pennsylvania.
●PROTECTION
Your landlord is costing you money. We stop it.
- Junk Fee Auditor — Flags illegal charges hiding in your lease
- Rent Increase Analyzer — Checks if your hike exceeds the legal cap
- Deposit Photo Vault — Timestamped move-in/out evidence your landlord can’t dispute
- Free Demand Letter — State-specific letter generated in 2 minutes
Junk fees you can’t opt out of: ~$100/mo
Utility overcharges you can’t verify: ~$50/mo
Deposit interest your landlord pockets: ~$8/mo
Rent increase above legal cap: ~$35/mo
Total: ~$193/mo you’re probably losing.
DepositHawk Protection: $3/mo.
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.