Security deposits in Bethlehem follow Pennsylvania statute. Under 68 P.S. §250.511a a landlord may collect at most two months' rent in the first year. Under §250.511b only one month may be held after year one. Under §250.512 the deposit must be returned with itemization within 30 days of vacancy.
The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 sets uniform Pennsylvania security-deposit rules that apply to every Bethlehem rental. 68 P.S. §250.511a caps the deposit at two months' rent during the first year of the lease. 68 P.S. §250.511b requires the landlord to return any amount over one month's rent at the start of year two and bars demanding additional deposit even if rent rises. Deposits over $100 held more than two years must sit in escrow at a federally regulated banking institution, with interest above a 1% administrative fee going to the tenant. 68 P.S. §250.512 requires return of the deposit, or a written itemized list of damages with any balance owed, within 30 days of the tenant vacating and providing a forwarding address in writing.
Charging over two months in year one, holding more than one month in year two, or missing the 30-day return-or-itemize deadline violates 68 P.S. §250.511a-b and §250.512. Under §250.512(c) the landlord forfeits deduction rights and owes double damages on the wrongfully withheld portion.
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