Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My granddaughter, who moved out in November, took some of her belongings with her. She returned in March to collect the rest, but only took a portion and was supposed to return the same day for the rest. However, she hasn't come back, and her remaining belongings (boxes and bags of clothes,... View More 
I have an apartment with my soon-to-be ex-girlfriend of 13 years, and both of our names are on the lease. She recently cheated and left me and our two kids for two months, then returned. Our daughter prefers that her mom leave and that I stay in the apartment. I have a complete work history and... View More
Can I take legal action against my landlord for filing a false Protection From Abuse (PFA) order to evict me and steal my belongings? There was no personal relationship involved, and the landlord lied to both the police and the court. I have evidence supporting my claims. How should I proceed?
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action against your landlord based on the situation you've described. False PFA filings used to wrongfully evict tenants and take their property could potentially violate tenant rights laws, and might constitute fraud, defamation, or abuse of legal process... View More
I've been living in my apartment for over three years and five months, during which quarterly pest inspections have routinely occurred. Recent inspection was different, as the exterminators extensively inspected my personal belongings without prior notice. They went through my couch cushions... View More
I recently experienced a situation during a regular pest inspection where, although we received an email notification the day before, I found my bed all undone and the mattress slightly off the bedframe afterwards. In the 3 years and 5 months I've lived here, this is the first incident of this... View More
I am renting a property in Pennsylvania, and a friend who is not on my lease left behind personal property, including cats, on February 22. She dropped off food outside for the cats but hasn't returned to care for them, and they are damaging my house. I want to know my legal options for... View More
I am currently facing a dispute with my landlord regarding the pet policy in my lease agreement after 1.5 years of occupancy. The lease mentions a pet weight limit with the language: 'Small caged and/or aquarium housed pets, not to exceed three pounds (3 lbs.) in weight, are permitted.'... View More
How many children are allowed to live in a two-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania? I am concerned about housing regulations and lease agreements specific to this state. Are there any specific laws or guidelines I should be aware of regarding occupancy limits?
I have a family member who has been staying with me in Erie, PA intermittently over 20 years, with at least two periods of absence due to being in jail. Continuously, they've been with me for about 8 years since the last time they were in jail. There is no formal lease, but they contribute by... View More
My elderly neighbor lived with her boyfriend in his home in Pennsylvania for six years. After he recently passed away, leaving his name as the only one on the mortgage, his children, serving as the executors of the estate, gave her an informal eviction notice despite the will stating she can remain... View More
How can I legally evict my ex-girlfriend from my house in Pennsylvania? She moved in with her children (ages 19, 17, and 10) in September 2023. My 11-year-old daughter and I have been staying elsewhere for her safety and mental health. My ex-girlfriend has never paid rent or bills, and there's... View More
I live in Pennsylvania and own a condominium where I have a personal no-dog policy, though the HOA has no restrictions on pets. A prospective tenant has provided documentation that their dog is a service animal related to their disability. Am I obligated to rent to this tenant despite my no-dog... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
Yes, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), you are legally obligated to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, which includes allowing service animals regardless of your no-dog policy. Service animals are not considered "pets" under the law, but rather necessary... View More
I need information on the statute of limitations for collecting back rent in Pennsylvania. I have a written lease agreement, and the back rent has been due since January 2016. There have been no court proceedings or formal communications with the tenant regarding the back rent, although there have... View More
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answered on Feb 17, 2025
At this point if there has not been a payment in the last 4 years the debt is not collectable through the Courts. Also, since it is so old it is unlikely that it will be successful in litigation. Most Municipalities and Landlord Tenant Courts require a rental license and valid inspections. If... View More
I accidentally misfired my gun inside my dad's rental vehicle, which caused some damage. There were no injuries. I have not yet contacted the rental company, and I'm unsure if any insurance might cover the damage. What steps should I take next, and how should I address this situation with... View More
answered on Mar 16, 2025
A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. It could be worth considering a consult with an attorney to discuss the accidental gun discharge aspects of this matter - and how to address if those arise in the rental company's reporting requirements. For... View More
Lived here 10 months- has not paid anything towards living expenses
Alcoholic and has a gambling issue
Want him to leave
Need to know my rights in PA
No legal agreement or lease in place
Gets very nasty towards me.. verbally abusive language
Need help, pls.
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answered on Dec 30, 2024
Hire a lawyer to file suit for possession only. Do not get in a fight with BF or he will get leverage.
I still physically reside at the address that is my mailing/billing address. I have for years. My roommates want me to move out and have refused to give me access to the mail that is delivered, the mailbox key, and have returned every letter and package I have gotten for the last year or two. They... View More
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answered on Oct 20, 2024
I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation with your roommates. It must be very frustrating to have your mail consistently intercepted and returned.
Interfering with someone’s mail is generally against the law. In many places, tampering with another person's mail can lead... View More
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answered on Oct 19, 2024
In Pennsylvania, a guest typically becomes a tenant when they stay in a property with the landlord’s permission and establish residency. This can happen if you live there for an extended period, contribute to household expenses, or have exclusive use of part of the property. Without a formal... View More
landlord has not cleaned, and has stated they will not be replacing the carpet or shampooing carpet. I have not been able to use the shower or toilet for 5 days now, i was told nothing will be done abt my rent or the carpet, its extremely unsafe to inhale fece fumes. I have documentation of all of... View More
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answered on Jul 27, 2024
It is illegal for a landlord to allow such unsanitary conditions to persist in your apartment. Under Pennsylvania law, landlords are required to maintain their rental properties in a habitable condition. The presence of sewage waste for over five days without proper cleaning poses serious health... View More
Is my friend at risk of being evicted if the landlord is made aware of this? I have been receiving mail here. However I recently applied for food stamps using this address. 1. Is the assistance office allowed to contact the landlord? And 2. Do I have any legal right to live here as well is my... View More
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answered on Jun 23, 2024
To address this complex situation, let's break it down into several key points:
1. Subletting without permission:
Your friend is likely violating their lease agreement by allowing you to live there without the landlord's knowledge or consent. Most leases prohibit... View More
To take the copy of the form to the municipal court to inform them (currently facing eviction) municipal court informed to file a petition to stay eviction filed it and shortly after it was denied. I don’t Think the municipal court quite understood that my bankruptcy form 101b was filed and... View More
answered on May 18, 2024
You shouldn’t have to file a petition. The automatic stay created by the filing of the bankruptcy trumps all anyway. Be sure a copy of at least the front page and the creditor section page of your bankruptcy is placed in the municipal court file.
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