Pennsylvania Room Rental Agreement
A Pennsylvania room rental agreement is a formal document that outlines the shared responsibilities and rules among individuals cohabiting in a rental property. This legally binding agreement is essential for establishing clear expectations and obligations among roommates.

Pennsylvania Room Rental Agreement
Overview
The Pennsylvania room rental agreement includes several key components:
- Rent Division: This section specifies how rent is divided among roommates, ensuring that all parties understand their financial obligations.
- Utility Payments: The agreement outlines responsibilities for paying utilities, clarifying who is accountable for which bills.
- House Rules: This part establishes guidelines for behavior and the use of shared spaces, promoting a harmonious living environment.
- Responsibilities for Communal Areas: The agreement details obligations regarding the maintenance and cleanliness of shared areas, ensuring that all roommates contribute to the upkeep of the property.
To ensure that new roommates adhere to their commitments, the main tenant is advised to utilize a rental application to screen potential subtenants.
Guest to Tenant Status
In Pennsylvania, a guest becomes a tenant after occupying a dwelling for 30 or more consecutive days. This change in status grants the guest the same rights and responsibilities as any other tenant under Pennsylvania law. As a result, the property owner must comply with Pennsylvania’s landlord-tenant laws, which include the requirement to issue an eviction notice if necessary.
Statutes
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.511a – Escrow funds limited
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.512 – Recovery of improperly held escrow funds
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.511b(b) – Interest on escrow funds held more than two years
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.511b – Interest on escrow funds held more than two years
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.206 – Statement of escrowed funds
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.501(b) – Notice to quit
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 250.205 – Participation in tenants’ association
- 42 Pa. C.S. § 1123 – Jurisdiction and venue
- 68 Pa. Stat. § 399.6 – Delivery and contents of first discontinuance notice to tenants
- Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 68 § 250.101 – Short title
- Philadelphia Code 9-804 – Domestic Violence
- Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 68 § 250.502-A – Landlord’s duties
FAQs
A Pennsylvania room rental agreement is a formal document that outlines the shared responsibilities and rules among individuals living together in a rental property. It covers important aspects such as rent division, utility payments, house rules, and responsibilities for communal areas.
To ensure new roommates honor their commitments, the main tenant should use a rental application to screen potential subtenants. This process helps verify the reliability and suitability of individuals before they move in.
In Pennsylvania, a guest becomes a tenant after occupying a dwelling for 30 or more consecutive days. This status change grants them the same rights and responsibilities as any other tenant under the law.
Once a guest becomes a tenant in Pennsylvania, the property owner must comply with the state’s landlord-tenant laws. This includes issuing an eviction notice if necessary, following the legal procedures for tenant eviction.
A room rental agreement should include details such as rent division, utility payments, house rules, and responsibilities for communal areas. This ensures that all roommates are aware of their obligations and helps prevent disputes.