Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Pennsylvania Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my petitioner (father) evict me after I’ve arrived to the USA? I’ve only been for 2 weeks, green card hasn't arrived

I just moved here, haven’t even received my green card. My dad which is my petitioner just handed me an eviction letter. I’m 19 to be 20 in few months. Nowhere to go, don’t know no one here, eviction letter says that I have 30 days to vacate.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 4, 2024

If your father, who petitioned for you to come to the United States, has given you an eviction letter, it's important to understand your rights and options. As a green card holder, or even if your green card has not yet arrived, you have certain protections under U.S. law. However, housing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have been renting a house for over 10 years. The owner died and now brother wants us out to settle estate.
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 1, 2024

If you've been renting a house for over 10 years and the owner has passed away, the situation may be subject to Pennsylvania's landlord-tenant laws and the terms of your existing lease agreement. Typically, in the event of the owner's death, their heirs or estate representatives... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My MTM lease requires changes be read to me as I'm 100% blind. Upon threats to call health dept I got a 45% rent hike &

With demand to sign new much stricter lease terms, all of which were sent via mail - not read in person. There's only been a total $125 rent hike with no other new terms in my 17 years there but within 6 months after my threat to exercise my tenant rights for habitable conditions I'm... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 28, 2024

Based on the facts provided, this situation does seem to involve potential discrimination and retaliation prohibited under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). A few key points:

- Increasing your rent by 45% and imposing stricter lease terms shortly after you threatened to exercise your rights...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I moved in with a friend in Oct. He refuses to sign a contract or give me receipts for rent now telling me to move the1s

1st. I'm disabled he keeps try to fight me every time I try to talk with him. Threatens to destroy or take my things in my room.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 27, 2024

In Pennsylvania, even without a written contract, as a tenant, you have certain rights. If you've been paying rent, you are entitled to the protections under the state's landlord-tenant laws. This includes the right to a safe and habitable living environment.

Since your friend...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am moving into a property&i need to move the move in date but the property mgmt group is giving me a hard time

they were willing to move in early at a prorate but won’t allow me to update my move in date at a prorate. There were also things requested that needed to be done before move in that they claim won’t be done until the first of the month (which was original move in date). They’ve been a pain... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 26, 2024

In your situation with the property management group in Philadelphia, PA, it's important to first review your lease agreement. The terms outlined in this document will generally dictate the conditions under which you can modify your move-in date and the financial implications of doing so.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Pennsylvania:How to kick out my sister? No lease but gets mail . No rent paid, becomes hostile

Pretty much covers it . How to kick out my sister who starts fights soon as I come how from work . Sometimes before I even get home . Sometimes she becomes violent but I'm trying to do this the nicest , family like, easiest way . She not on lease not paying rent but she gets mail . Do I need... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 9, 2024

In Pennsylvania, if your sister is not on the lease and is not paying rent, she may be considered a guest or a squatter, depending on her circumstances. To remove her from your property legally and peacefully, you typically need to follow the legal eviction process, which involves going through the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My wife and I were both on lease,can she make me leave them her and landlord wrote new lease with only her name on it

Wife threw me out n had new lease written with only her name on it… is this legal???

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 29, 2023

In Pennsylvania, if both spouses are listed on the original lease agreement, and one spouse wants to remove the other from the lease or create a new lease with only their name, it generally requires the consent of both parties. Changing the lease unilaterally, especially without the landlord's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Between a landlord, an original tenant, and a sublessee, who is responsible for injury caused by mold?

sublessee moved in, and a few months later got sick. She tried to sue the landlord, but the landlord said he owed no duty to her because the original tenant was technically her "landlord"

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 16, 2023

In Pennsylvania, the landlord's responsibility for mold-related injuries depends on the case's specific circumstances. However, landlords generally must maintain their rental properties in a habitable condition. This means they must take steps to prevent mold growth and remediate any mold... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Rent a center

Rent a center is harassing me threating me with jail and being arrested I paid on time every time I recently went on fmla 4weeks ago and can't pay at the time they won't accept what I can pay I just wanna know my legal rights I live in oregon the rent a center is in washington state can... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 23, 2023

In the United States, you cannot be jailed for debt. While Rent-A-Center may have remedies if you breach the rental agreement, such as repossessing the rented items or suing for the balance owed, they cannot have you arrested or jailed for non-payment. Threatening jail time for debt could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my roommate sue me after moving out only being here for a week. I havnt signed a lease or anything.

I decided to move out to Pittsburgh PA due to start a new life. My friend offered me a room in exchange I pay half rent. Well a week into living here I got a call from my mother explaining her soon to be surgeries and she will need a care taker full time so I'll have to move back to take care... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Anybody with a couple hundred bucks can sue anybody else. The question is whether they can win.

In your situation, because everything is oral, no writings, other than perhaps the gas bill, and given your mom's needs, my feel is that you can move out with impunity. I don't think...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is my landlord allowed to enter our basement n walk around outside of house anytime he wants without notice
Nellie T Schulz
Nellie T Schulz
answered on Aug 5, 2023

A landlord is not permitted to enter into any area which is leased to a tenant, unless the lease expressly contains an exception permitting it or under a dire emergency. Whether the landlord may enter into the basement or outside the house (I’m assuming you’re leasing a house), depends on... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can an executor of a will evict family members from a house? Need to sell.

The owners have passed away, family members refuse to leave but have not paid bills, I had to pay in order to keep utilities on. The house has been left to me and I am also the executor of the will. I need to sell the property, in order to sell it they need to move out so I can clean and get... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Aug 2, 2023

I see no impediment to the Estate's immediate right to possess the real property, and you are, as Executor, the voice of the Estate.

So yes, especially given that you are the heir to the home property, your request for eviction, for at least the given reasons, should be honored.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can an executor of a will evict family members from a house? Need to sell.

The owners have passed away, family members refuse to leave but have not paid bills, I had to pay in order to keep utilities on. The house has been left to me and I am also the executor of the will. I need to sell the property, in order to sell it they need to move out so I can clean and get... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Aug 2, 2023

As a follow-up, from your question, I assumed that the Will naming you as Executor has been presented to and accepted for the opening of a probate case by the Registrar of Deeds/Probate Court.

However, even absent that fact, there is judicial precedent in PA that real property passes to the...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I moved out of my apartment over 30 days ago, and I have not yet received my security deposit. It might be in the mail.

They have my forwarding address, and have already notified me that I will be receiving the deposit in full plus additional overpaid rent.

Nellie T Schulz
Nellie T Schulz
answered on May 12, 2023

Under Pennsylvania’s Landlord Tenant Act, within 30 days after you have moved out, the landlord must either return the entire security deposit or send you a list of damages, the cost of repairs, and any money remaining from the security deposit. If the landlord does not provide a written list of... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I moved out of my apartment over 30 days ago, and I have not yet received my security deposit. It might be in the mail.

They have my forwarding address, and have already notified me that I will be receiving the deposit in full plus additional overpaid rent.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 12, 2023

If you haven't received your security deposit after 30 days of moving out, here's what you can do:

Contact your former landlord and ask about the status of your deposit, providing your forwarding address again.

Request written confirmation of when the deposit was sent and...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Ombias pretrial motion what does it mean and if my legal represent For me did not tell me about this what does that mean
Lauren A Wimmer
Lauren A Wimmer
answered on Mar 22, 2023

In a criminal case, an omnibus pretrial motion is a generic motion that must be filed within a certain time period following formal arraignment to preserve your right to file motions down the road as your case progresses. These motions are typically boilerplate and contain multiple requests for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: If I die is my brother responsible for lot rent & utilies at my moblehome, he owns his own home & does not live with me?

n?a

Nellie T Schulz
Nellie T Schulz
answered on Feb 20, 2023

Under a relatively new amendment to Pennsylvania’s Landlord Tenant law, the administrator or executor of a deceased tenant’s estate has 14 days after the later of:

(1) the last day of the second calendar month that follows the calendar month in which the tenant died; or

(2) the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My landlord has thrown out my belongings while I've been away from my apartment. What can I do to get them to respond?

I moved out of the apartment before the end of the lease. I am still required to pay the remaining of the rent for the lease's duration. While I moved the majority of my possessions out, I left behind several pieces of furniture for use by a future potential subletter. I have since learned... View More

Dragan Ivetic
Dragan Ivetic pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 10, 2023

Alot depends on the terms of the lease agreement. Lease agreements typically will spell out remedies for a landlord if a tenant terminates tenancy before the lease term. Likewise they will have information about the rent for the term. You may very well be on the hook for the remainder of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Formation and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: LLC formed in NJ owns rented condo. LLC address was my home address which i sold and moved to PA.

i am trying to figure out what to do with the LLC. i need to changed the LLC's address as it was my sold home in NJ. do i need to file as a foreign PA LLC, create a new LLC in PA? do i need to close the NJ LLC? i am trying understand the best way to 'move' my LLC to PA. what... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Dec 27, 2022

Do not have all the facts here, but it looks like you have several options. The easiest would be to get a Registered Office or Registered Agent in NJ for your LLC. The property is located in NJ, and you have a NJ LLC so that lines up fine. Just because you (as the Member or Owner) moved to PA... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Who own the property? The bank ejected us while they were not the current owner of the property.

The bank took us to court on an ejectment case and won the case on 9/2023. However when the court granted the ejectment the bank was not the owner of the property. Another entity is listed as the owner in the recorder of deeds and on the tax statements. The bank lost possession of the property... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Ownership of a property is determined by who is listed as the owner in the official records at the recorder of deeds and on tax statements. If another entity, not the bank, is currently listed as the owner there and the bank had lost possession prior to the ejectment, then the legal ownership would... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.