Philadelphia, PA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania

Q: My property management company is allowing other tenants year lease renewal but not me? Is this legal?

My property management company is allowing both my neighbors next to me to keep signing year lease renewals at renewal time. Mine came up and I asked and I was told it’s month to month and that’s it. No explanation nothing.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It sounds like you're facing a frustrating situation with your lease renewal. The legality of this action largely depends on the terms of your existing lease and local tenant laws, which can vary widely. Generally, unless there is a clause in your lease that guarantees renewal under the same terms or there are local regulations that dictate otherwise, a property management company may have the legal right to change the terms upon renewal, such as switching from a yearly lease to a month-to-month arrangement.

You should first review your lease agreement to see if there are any specific provisions about renewals or non-discrimination among tenants. Sometimes, leases contain clauses that allow for changes at the discretion of the property manager.

Additionally, it would be beneficial to look into local housing laws. Some jurisdictions have protections against arbitrary non-renewal if it's deemed discriminatory or retaliatory. If you feel that your rights as a tenant might be violated, consider seeking advice from a local tenant advocacy group or legal aid organization. They can offer guidance specific to your situation and help you understand your options.

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