Pennsylvania Rental Application Overview
Pennsylvania is moderate at the state level but Philadelphia provides some of the strongest tenant protections in the country including criminal history restrictions and source of income protections.
Pennsylvania does not cap rental application fees at the state level. Most landlords charge between $30 and $75. Philadelphia may have local regulations affecting application fees.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Pennsylvania Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Pennsylvania does not cap rental application fees at the state level. Most landlords charge between $30 and $75. Philadelphia may have local regulations affecting application fees.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Pennsylvania has no statewide ban-the-box law for housing. Philadelphia enacted a Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards ordinance that restricts when and how landlords can consider criminal history. Landlords in Philadelphia cannot inquire about criminal history until after a conditional offer is made.
Credit Check Requirements
Pennsylvania landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions.
Fair Housing Protections
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act covers federal protected classes. Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance adds extensive local protections including sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, and other classes.
Pennsylvania Screening Criteria
Pennsylvania landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Pennsylvania state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Pennsylvania landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Pennsylvania's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Pennsylvania Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Pennsylvania rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Pennsylvania-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Pennsylvania data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Pennsylvania landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Pennsylvania landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Pennsylvania does not cap application fees.
Pennsylvania Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Pennsylvania. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30-$75 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Pennsylvania Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Pennsylvania-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Pennsylvania law.
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Pennsylvania Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Pennsylvania state law...
Pennsylvania Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Pennsylvania.
Official Pennsylvania Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Pennsylvania tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Fair housing complaints and enforcement
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Free legal help for PA tenants
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Pennsylvania Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Pennsylvania? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
Create your Pennsylvania Rental Application in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a Pennsylvania-compliant document, ready for the state agency.