Pennsylvania Security Deposit Law: 68 P.S. § 250.512 Double Recovery

Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. § 250.512)

Residential security deposit accounting in Pennsylvania is governed by 68 P.S. § 250.512.

The 30-Day Statutory Mandate

Every landlord must, within 30 days of termination of a lease or surrender and acceptance of the premises, deliver an itemized list of any damages together with the remittance of any difference between the deposit and the actual damage costs.

Failure to Provide Itemization

Under 68 P.S. § 250.512(b), failure of the landlord to provide a written list within 30 days works a complete forfeiture of all the landlord's rights to withhold any portion of the security deposit or to bring suit against the tenant for damages.

Double Recovery Penalties

Under subsection (c), if the landlord fails to return the deposit within 30 days, the landlord is liable in assumpsit to double the amount by which the sum deposited exceeds actual damages.