Pennsylvania Contract Templates

Pennsylvania Independent Contractor Agreement

Worker-classification test

Two-part unemployment test: the worker must be free from control under the contract and in fact, and customarily engaged in an independently established business. Construction adds a written-contract requirement under Act 72.

Written contract required?

Not required generally, but a construction worker can be an independent contractor only with a written contract to perform the services.

Misclassification penalties

Construction: civil penalties up to $1,000 for a first violation and $2,500 for each later one, per worker; intentional violations are misdemeanors, negligent ones summary offenses.

Pennsylvania Non-Compete Agreement

Are employee non-competes enforceable?

Yes, if ancillary to employment or a business sale, supported by consideration, reasonably limited in time and area, and needed to protect a legitimate business interest.

Governing law

Common law, with no general statute. Health care practitioners: Fair Contracting for Health Care Practitioners Act (Act 74 of 2024), effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Salary or wage threshold

None. Pennsylvania has no pay floor for non-competes.

Pennsylvania Employment Offer Letter

Updated for Wage Payment Law

At-will employment

Yes, by common law. A narrow exception covers firings that violate a clear mandate of public policy, such as discharge for jury service.

Final paycheck deadline

By the next regular payday, whether the employee quits or is fired; by certified mail if the employee asks.

Required new-hire notices

At hiring, notify employees of the time and place of payment, rate of pay and any fringe benefits, either individually or by posting; give notice before any change.

Pennsylvania Residential Lease Agreement

Updated for Landlord & Tenant Act

Security deposit cap

Two months' rent during the first lease year; one month's rent from the second year on, including renewals. After five years' tenancy, a rent increase cannot require a bigger deposit.

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends or the landlord accepts surrender, whichever comes first, give a written list of damages with the balance. Missing it forfeits the right to withhold; wrongful withholding risks double damages.

Required disclosures

No statewide lease disclosure list. When a deposit is placed in escrow, the landlord must tell the tenant in writing the bank's name and address and the amount held. Philadelphia adds its own requirements.

Pennsylvania LLC Operating Agreement

Updated for 15 Pa.C.S. Ch. 88

Governing statute

Pennsylvania Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of 2016.

Operating agreement required?

Not required. The operating agreement may be oral, implied, in record form, or any combination, and covers a sole member.

Filing fee to form the LLC

$125 for a Certificate of Organization (domestic LLC).