What counts as a rent increase in Pennsylvania?
Anything that increases the tenant's monthly cost: base rent, parking fee, storage fee, pet rent, amenity fee, utility surcharge if previously included, or removal of a previously bundled service (gym, internet, water). Each requires the same advance notice (68 P.S. 250.501 (Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 1951)). Bundling these into "rent" then raising them all together is the same as a rent increase. Cap calculations apply to the total change. Pennsylvania courts read attempts to disguise rent increases (e.g. "convenience fee") strictly against the landlord.
Source: 68 P.S. 250.501 (Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 1951)
This is an informational answer based on 68 P.S. 250.501 (Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act 1951) as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Pennsylvania-licensed attorney.