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Pennsylvania Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: applied for apt. on Ukio.com for renting abroad in Barcelona charged 7k - no confirmation - can't cancel w/o$1500 penalt

They said I didn't read FINE PRINT.they never even confirmed anything via email . I had to hunt them down& they were NASTY. I cancelled this in less than 24 hours of making the reservations which isn't until next Sept 2025 and I have no document stating my reservation was ever... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Business Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to sign as LLC?

If the LLC name is "Central PA Rentals LLC" and this LLC owns a residential rental property.

what is the proper way to sign a residential lease as a landlord?

Can we initial as "CPRL" and enter online e-signature as "Central PA Rentals LLC"?

(without any personal names)

0 Answers | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Unsafe at Evo: roommates bully me for reporting their weed use, prevent beef consumption, and management ignores me.

I’m staying at Evo at Cira Centre South (4 bedroom). I have Indian roommates and they don’t let me eat beef because of their religion and I’m scared they might try to hurt me if I eat beef. They smoke weed in the living room and are loud all the time. They speak badly about me when I can hear... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: is it legal for someone to say they own a piece of property and charge you rent

I know for a fact this individual does not own the property

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: i had 3 dogs when i signed the lease. landlord says i have to get rid of them in 2 weeks. what to do?

we’ve been living there for about a month or so. pets were allowed on the lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Communications Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal for my roommates to intercept and return my mail to senders, claiming I no longer live there?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: When Does a Guest Become a Tenant in pennsylvania without a lease and what rights do they have?
James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal to allow sewage waste in an appt for over 5 days, without being cleaned.

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have been renting a room from a friend however I am not on the lease and am unaware if the landlord is aware

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Landlord - Tenant and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Filed chapter 7 bankruptcy To take the copy of the form to the municipal court to inform them (currently facing eviction

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

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
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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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Filed chapter 7 and afterwards was given a copy that was stamped by the judge then was told to take the copy to

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 was told by the clerk after filing bankruptcy the automatic stay protects me from the eviction... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 17, 2024

I understand your confusion and frustration in this situation. Let me try to clarify a few key points:

1. When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an automatic stay is typically put in place. This stay prevents creditors, including landlords, from continuing collection actions, including...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I rent from my employer when I asked for a pay increase I was told ok but your rent will increase is this legal?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

The legality of your employer increasing your rent in response to a pay raise request depends on the specific circumstances and the laws in your location. Here are a few important considerations:

1. Employment laws: In most cases, it is legal for an employer to change the terms of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: If landlord is responsible for water can they charge a "water fee" as an additional charge on my monthly rent amount?

They are also adding a damage waiver fee and an utility fee. All 3 fee's total 60$ in addition to the rent. Is this legal in Pennsylvania?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In Pennsylvania, landlords are allowed to charge tenants for water and utilities, but the specifics of what they can charge and how they charge it depend on the lease agreement and local laws.

1. Water fee: If the landlord is responsible for water according to the lease, they should not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: New owner of my apartment complex told me starting on June 1st my rent will be 250 more a m I signed a lease in February

I already have a lease from the previous owner signed in February 2024 what should I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I understand your concern. It sounds like you have a valid lease agreement that was signed in February 2024 with the previous owner of your apartment complex. Typically, when a property is sold, the new owner is legally obligated to honor any existing leases that were in place before the sale.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
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.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

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... 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
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I be evicted for complaining about a neighbor smoking weed in the building where there are rules and regulations

And it's seeking into my apartment causing me health problems

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answered on Mar 26, 2024

If your building has clear rules and regulations against smoking, including the use of marijuana, and the smoke is seeping into your apartment, causing health issues, you should not be at risk of eviction for making a complaint. Landlords are typically required to ensure that all tenants can enjoy... View More

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