Tenant Termination Prior to Commencement Date

[Dustin N.]

Hi all,

Can I keep a security deposit if tenant signed a contract but the commencement date is not until 3 months later?

What is the legal effective date to hold tenant liable for rent - is it based on lease date or commencement date?

Would it be reasonable/lawful to collect security deposit in terms of putting unit back on the market and the associated costs for that?

I looked up the Landlord/Tenant laws for Pennsylvania and Montgomery County but couldn't find specifics that addressed my situation.

Appreciate any guidance to other references I should look at.

Thanks!