Browse Houses for Rent in Pennsylvania | Nestfully | Nestfully

As of 2022, about 30% of Pennsylvanians were renters.That means almost a third of Pennsylvania's total population has housing needs associated with renting instead of ownership. If you're looking for houses for rent in Pennsylvania, Nestfully can help.

Houses for Rent in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a diverse array of communities, which means Pennsylvania home rental situations can differ greatly across the state. Your housing options and price range will vary depending on:

  • Whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area
  • Where you work and the length of your commute
  • Whether you plan to be a long-term or short-term renter

Property value tends to be highest in urban areas and lowest in rural areas, but your commute may be longer if you live in a rural area. Short-term rental prices tend to be higher than long-term ones because short-term rentals have higher turnover rates. You need to take all these factors into account when you're looking for houses for rent in Pennsylvania.

Buying Versus Renting in Pennsylvania

The prevailing wisdom for finding a place to live has trended toward buying over renting, but this has been changing. Different people have different reasons for preferring one over the other, but common ones include:
  • The state of the real estate market
  • The cost to buy versus the cost to rent in the area
  • The buyer or renter's lifestyle and needs

If the real estate market is tough, then it may be easier to find a home for rent. Many people will opt for whichever is more affordable in the short term, which depends on the area in which they're looking. People with large families may prefer to purchase, while students or young adults just starting out may choose to rent.

Houses for Sale in PA

When you seek to buy a home, you need to consider both your current needs and the property's overall long-term value. In Pennsylvania, as in other places, you should factor in property taxes, your down payment, and various insurance requirements. These factors will vary depending on location, which means it may be cheaper to own in one area and cheaper to rent in another. In most Pennsylvania cities, renting is more affordable, but it tends to be cheaper to buy in both Philadelphia and Scranton.

Houses for Rent in PA

If you live in or near Philadelphia or Scranton, then you may choose to buy a home, but houses for rent in Pennsylvania still tend to be more affordable overall. The average Pennsylvania rental price for a three-bedroom house or apartment is $1,295 per month. Rental prices for houses in urban or suburban areas are higher than those in rural areas.

If you choose to rent a house, consider your income and how much of it you can feasibly put toward rent. Make sure your rent and utilities costs don't exceed 40% of your monthly income. Rental prices typically increase annually and utilities may not be included in the price.

When you make decisions regarding houses for rent in Pennsylvania, you should also consider other factors, such as:

  • Security
  • Location
  • Neighbors and neighborhood
  • Maintenance needs
  • Pest control

Renting Apartments Versus Renting Houses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is full of various types of rental homes. Two of the most popular are houses and apartments. If you prefer houses for rent in Pennsylvania, you're likely going to look in a rural or suburban area. Due to the more limited space and higher property values, most urban rental properties are apartments, but you can also find them in suburban areas.

Renting Apartments

When you rent an apartment, you need to be aware you'll be living in close proximity to others. Apartment buildings are typically at least two stories and some are high-rises, so you're likely to share walls with your neighbors and have neighbors above or below you. Apartments can be studios, or have one or more bedrooms and encompass a single floor. You need to be aware of storage constraints and community guidelines. You may also have access to various amenities, such as a pool and gym.

Renting Houses

Renting a house is very similar to renting an apartment, but there are some important differences. Some houses for rent in Pennsylvania may be part of rental property management companies, with every house in a neighborhood or community being available to rent. These communities typically comprise several connected units, such as townhouses.

However, it's also very common for a single landlord to manage one or more private rental properties. In these cases, you will likely have a direct relationship with your landlord, but fewer amenities. Rental houses in Pennsylvania are available in many forms. They can be one story or multiple, single-family, townhouses, or duplexes. Unlike apartment managers, your landlord may consider you responsible for certain types of maintenance, such as lawn care.

Pennsylvania Home Rental Policies and Requirements

When you're looking for houses for rent in PA, you need to be aware of rental policies and requirements that may apply to you. Both tenants and landlords have rights in Pennsylvania, so make sure you know yours.

Tenants' rights include:

Landlords' rights include:

  • Charging application fees
  • Using screening tools and criteria, in compliance with housing laws
  • The ability to evict a tenant, under the terms of the lease and in compliance with eviction and housing laws

If you're a current renter or want to rent a home, be sure to familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local rental laws. You should also talk to your rental property manager or landlord about community and tenant guidelines.

Find Houses for Rent in Pennsylvania Now

To find houses for rent in Pennsylvania, try Nestfully. Our custom search feature and list of homes available for rent provide real-time property listings all over the state for you to review, compare, and choose from.

 

State Rentals by Top Cities

Rentals in Philadelphia, PA

Rentals in Lebanon, PA

Rentals in Mechanicsburg, PA

Rentals in York, PA

 

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