What landlords are allowed to ask for? (Philadelphia, Whitehall: apartment, lease)

[leviatas]

So I was looking into moving to PA. I currently live with my GF in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. I came across a fellow advertising an apartment, we spoke for a few about the apartment, then told me that we either needed to pay:

6 months advance on rent, or, first, last months rent AND security, or, first months rent and security, in the amount of twice the normal security.

I need to know what landlords are allowed to ask for, for move-in. All that seems a bit rediculous, and I know that in California, it is illegal to ask for all three, or, anything that would amount to it, or more. So I am wondering what the deal is.

[LibraGirl123]

Originally Posted by leviatas

So I was looking into moving to PA. I currently live with my GF in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. I came across a fellow advertising an apartment, we spoke for a few about the apartment, then told me that we either needed to pay:

6 months advance on rent, or, first, last months rent AND security, or, first months rent and security, in the amount of twice the normal security.

My kids both live in Philly, and have moved around a lot. EVERY apartment they ever lived in asked for first and last month's rent, and security deposit.

[Love2Golf09]

As far as I know, there is no law against a landlord asking for whatever he wants. It's capitalism, either you take the deal he/she offers or find another place to live. I've lived in the Lehigh Valley and western pa only. Philadelphia might be different because there is a lot of thugs around there that makes the landlords suspicious. At my apt in the Lehigh Valley I only had to pay first month's rent and a security deposit, which was equal to one month's rent. For a 1BR apt in Whitehall, I believe the rent was around $900, so it was $1,800 to move in. In western pa prices are a lot cheaper and apt complexes and landlords are a lot more lax it seems. I got a 2BR apt there for $750 and a $200 security deposit, so it was $950 to move in. So, it really depends on where you live. If you are moving to Philadelphia, expect them to be very strict. In western pa, a lot of landlords and even apt complexes do $200 or $100 security deposits and a lot still don't even check your credit. The Lehigh Valley is a mix. From my experiences with them they want a month's security and they check your credit, criminal history, and verify your employment. A lot also want an application fee. I've never come across or heard of any place that wants first month, last month, and a security deposit. I would consider looking at a few more places in the area to see if that's the norm or not. The only other thing could be that they ran your credit and your a big risk for them, so they want a larger deposit to make sure you won't skip out on rent.

[drshang]

Originally Posted by leviatas

So I was looking into moving to PA. I currently live with my GF in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. I came across a fellow advertising an apartment, we spoke for a few about the apartment, then told me that we either needed to pay:

6 months advance on rent, or, first, last months rent AND security, or, first months rent and security, in the amount of twice the normal security.

I need to know what landlords are allowed to ask for, for move-in. All that seems a bit rediculous, and I know that in California, it is illegal to ask for all three, or, anything that would amount to it, or more. So I am wondering what the deal is.

Personally I would never rent an apartment that asked for this. But in PA, to my knowledge, it's not against the law. I don't think it's a good idea to do it though.

[anqelakay]

The last apartment I had, I was required to pay first months rent + the security deposit which was the same as another month's rent. They do have to put your security deposit into an escrow account. That money and the interest should be returned to you at the end of your lease pending there is no damage that needs repaired.

[Mr. Kellett]

A landlord may only ask for a deposit of 2months rent maximum, and this money must be placed in an interest bearing account, after the first year, the deposit amount can only be 1 month's rent, the second month's must be refunded. The landlord must refund the money or give a detailed summary of why the deposit was held within 30 days of vacating. carpet cleaning for $100. does not allow a landlord to keep a $600. deposit. Hope this helps. If the landlord says the deposit is higher because of your credit, than he must furnish you with your credit report and a summary of the criteria he uses for denying you. But even then, the deposit is limited as above. Just doesn't have to rent to you.

[Mr. Kellett]

By the way, I am a landlord by trade, so I know what I am talking about, but I only charge 1/2month's rent as it is just too hard for folks to come up with 2 months rent at once. Good luck

[MelodyJazz]

but can a landlord ask for 1st, last and TWO MONTHS for a security deposit? i'm moving to philadelphia and that's what's being required. is *that* legal??

[Ms_Christina]

Go to the rent sub forum here on City-Data. The first stickied tabs have the tenant/landlord laws for each state. From what I remember in PA the the landlord can charge whatever they want and you are free to go someplace else if you don't like what they charge.