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Housing assistance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's LIHEAP heating grants are run by the Department of Human Services, and you apply through your County Assistance Office or online. Most tenant rules come from the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 and court-made law such as the implied warranty of habitability. Public housing and vouchers come from local housing authorities, the largest being in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

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Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Philadelphia Housing AuthorityPhiladelphiaPublic housing agencyHousing Authority of the City of PittsburghPittsburghPublic housing agency Pennsylvania Housing Finance AgencyStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in PennsylvaniaHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Pennsylvania

Energy and utility bills

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

    Cash grants ($200-$1,000) toward heating bills plus crisis grants for heating emergencies. Renters qualify, and the grant doesn't have to be repaid. The 2026-2027 season opens November 2, 2026. Apply through your County Assistance Office or online.

    Call 1-866-857-7095

Free legal help

  • PALawHelp.org Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

    Statewide guide to free legal information and legal aid in Pennsylvania, including eviction and tenant resources.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Pennsylvania

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Up to two months' rent during the first year of a lease and one month's rent after that. After five years, a rent increase cannot be used to raise the deposit.

Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 511.1

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends or the unit is surrendered, the landlord must give a written list of damages and return the balance. A landlord who misses the 30-day list loses the right to withhold any of the deposit, and wrongful withholding can bring double damages. The tenant must give a forwarding address in writing.

Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 512

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

For nonpayment of rent, the landlord's written notice to quit must give the tenant 10 days to move out.

Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 501(b)

Landlord entry notice

The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 contains no provision setting a notice period for landlord entry. Check your lease.

Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (no entry provision)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Under the implied warranty of habitability, after written notice and a reasonable time to fix serious defects, a tenant may repair and deduct (not more than one month's rent) or withhold rent and put it in escrow. Emergencies such as no heat in winter call for repair within about 24 hours.

Implied warranty of habitability (PALawHelp / MidPenn Legal Services)

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Pennsylvania

More local contacts: HUD’s Pennsylvania resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (1951 Act 20)Pennsylvania General Assembly
  2. Repair and Deduct: Tenant's Right to a Safe and Decent HomePALawHelp.org / MidPenn Legal Services
  3. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
  4. PALawHelp.orgPennsylvania Legal Aid Network
  5. Philadelphia Housing AuthorityPhiladelphia Housing Authority
  6. Housing Authority of the City of PittsburghHACP