Rent Increase in Pittsburgh — What Are My Rights?
Rent increases in Pennsylvania are a tricky situation. Here's how:
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Pennsylvania has no rent-control law. This means that landlords can increase or decrease rent at whim, as long as the tenant is given proper notice (typically 30 days for short term leases and 60 days for long term leases).
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Landlords can not raise rent in retaliation against tenants. Recent legislation in Allegheny has emphasized that landlords must prove they are not raising rents unjustly if taken to Magisterial Court by the tenant. This is called the “Residential Tenant Protections for Retaliation” ordinance.
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If you are having trouble paying rent increases and are facing eviction, contact Action Housing at 412-248-0021 or Just Mediation Pittsburgh at 412-228-0730 for rental assistance.
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The Legal Assistance Program hosted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh provides free housing legal services and access to other organizations within Pittsburgh to help with your rights. They can be reached at HOF@ura.org or call 412.255.6574.