Pennsylvania Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Pennsylvania facts

Security deposit deadline

30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises (whichever comes first). Act § 512(a) (68 P.S. § 250.512(a))

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

10-day written notice to quit. Act § 501(b) (68 P.S. § 250.501(b))

Small claims limit

$12,000, exclusive of interest and costs, for contract (assumpsit) and tort (trespass) claims and government fines and penalties. 42 Pa.C.S. 1515(a)(3)

Small estate affidavit

Pennsylvania has no general small estate affidavit. Instead, certain assets may be paid directly to family without letters: an employer may pay up to $10,000 in wages or employee benefits; 20 Pa.C.S. § 3101

Cost of a protective order

There is no cost to file. Petitioners cannot be charged any fees for filing, issuing, serving, modifying or withdrawing a PFA, or for appeals. 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(b)-(c); UJS Protection Orders page

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage. No increase is scheduled. Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968 (43 P.S. § 333.101 et seq.)

Final paycheck if fired

Due no later than the next regular payday on which the wages would otherwise be paid. If the employee asks, the employer must send it by certified mail. Wage Payment and Collection Law, § 5(a) (43 P.S. § 260.5)

Time limit to sue on a debt

4 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a writing. A written instrument under seal has a 20-year limit. 42 Pa.C.S. 5525(a)(8); 5529(b)(1)