What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit after a tenant moves out?

In Pennsylvania, the security deposit laws are outlined in the Landlord and Tenant Act. According to the law, the security deposit is the tenant’s money and the landlord must place it into an escrow account. Landlords must also provide the tenant with a receipt of the deposit, including the bank’s name and address. When a tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit, minus any deductions for damages, unpaid rent, and other unpaid charges within 30 days of the tenant moving out (or 45 days if the tenant has moved out of state). However, if the landlord fails to return the security deposit, the tenant can file a complaint with the District Justice Office, which can order the landlord to return the deposit. In addition, the landlord must also provide the tenant with an itemized list of any deductions taken from the deposit, along with receipts for any repairs or cleaning services the landlord used to make the necessary repairs. If any deductions are more than the deposit amount, then the landlord can file a collection action against the tenant for any additional charges. Overall, the primary law governing the return of a security deposit after a tenant moves out in Pennsylvania is the Landlord and Tenant Act. The law requires the landlord to place the deposit in an escrow account, provide a receipt of the deposit, and return the deposit, minus any deductions, within 30 days of the tenant moving out. The tenant can then file a complaint with the District Justice Office if the landlord fails to follow the law.

What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit after a tenant moves out?

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