Your lease is ending—what happens next? In Philadelphia, you have more flexibility than you might think. Here's what you need to know about renewals, month-to-month tenancy, and rent increases.
Important: No Rent Control
Pennsylvania prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control. This means there are no limits on rent increases when your lease renews. However, you have other protections.
When Your Lease Ends
At the end of your lease term, one of three things happens:
Your Options
1. Sign a New Lease
Lock in terms for another year (or agreed period)
2. Go Month-to-Month
Stay without a new lease—gives you flexibility
3. Move Out
Give proper notice and leave at lease end
Notice Requirements
Pennsylvania doesn't have a specific statute on renewal notice, so check your lease for notice requirements. Common terms:
Typical Notice Periods
Always provide notice in writing and keep a copy.
If Your Lease Is Silent on Notice
If your lease doesn't specify a notice period, Pennsylvania default rules apply:
- Year-to-year lease: 30 days notice
- Month-to-month: 15 days notice
Month-to-Month Tenancy
If you don't sign a new lease and continue paying rent, you typically become a month-to-month tenant. This means:
Flexibility
You can leave with short notice
Less Security
Landlord can also terminate with notice or raise rent
Same Terms
Other lease terms typically carry over
Rent Increases
Since there's no rent control in Philadelphia, landlords can raise rent when renewing a lease. However:
- During a lease: Rent cannot be raised unless the lease specifically allows it
- At renewal: Landlord can propose any new rent amount
- Month-to-month: Landlord must give proper notice before raising rent
Typical Rent Increase Notice
- 30 days minimum for rent increases on month-to-month
- At lease renewal: usually 60-90 days advance notice of new terms
Negotiation Tips
How to Negotiate Your Renewal
- Start early — Begin negotiations 60-90 days before lease end
- Research market rates — Know what comparable apartments rent for
- Highlight your record — Good payment history, no complaints
- Offer longer term — 2-year lease for lower increase
- Ask for improvements — Trade rent increase for upgrades
- Be prepared to leave — Best leverage if you're willing to move
Landlord Turnover Costs
Remember: landlords don't want you to leave. Turnover is expensive:
- Lost rent during vacancy (typically 1+ month)
- Cleaning and repairs between tenants
- Marketing and showing the unit
- Application processing
- Risk of bad tenants
A good tenant is worth keeping. Use this leverage in negotiations.
If You're Not Renewing
- Give proper written notice — Check your lease for required timing
- Document apartment condition — Photos/video for security deposit
- Schedule move-out inspection — Ask landlord to walk through
- Provide forwarding address — For security deposit return (30 days)
- Return keys — Get receipt or confirmation