Property Management

In Pennsylvania, what is the 'Rent Withholding Act' and under what circumstances can a tenant use it?

AA law allowing tenants to withhold rent anytime they disagree with the landlord
BA law allowing tenants to pay rent into an escrow account when the property is in violation of housing codes affecting health and safety, after proper notice to the landlord✓ Correct
CA Philadelphia ordinance allowing all tenants to withhold rent increases above 3%
DA statewide law capping rent increases at the rate of inflation

Explanation

Pennsylvania's Rent Withholding Act (35 P.S. §1700-1) allows residential tenants to deposit rent into an escrow account with a court or local authority when: the property has been certified as unfit for habitation by local authorities, the landlord has received notice, and the conditions have not been remedied. The rent withholding procedure protects tenants from eviction while they exercise their rights. The escrowed funds are held until conditions are corrected.

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