Can a 17 year old rent an apartment in PA?

You should look into your state's laws. Unlike what the other answer stated if you are emancipated you can sign a contract.

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NO. You are a minor child and cannot legally sign any contract or lease, have a bank account in your own name (parents are legally liable for student accounts), etc. You must wait until after your 18th birthday. Note that many landlords require those under 21 and all students to have their parents sign or guarantee payment on the lease. Even at 18, you can expect to have some difficulty renting an apartment since you have no credit, very short work history, etc.

Contrary to Stuck, you must have a court order to be "emancipated," but most landlords still will not accept any tenant under 18/21.

PA laws require you to be 18 to sign a lease.

No. One must be 18 to sign a contract (lease).

A 17 year old cannot legally sign a contract.So, no, you can't.