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Pennsylvania Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Child Custody, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I stay in the apartment and have my ex-girlfriend leave?

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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sue my landlord for a false PFA used to evict me and steal my belongings?

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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Consumer Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a landlord touch personal belongings during pest inspection in Pennsylvania?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a landlord go through belongings during a pest inspection?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to handle a friend's abandoned property and pets in PA?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does pet weight limit include cage/aquarium in lease provision?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: How many kids are allowed in a two-bedroom apartment in PA?

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?

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Domestic Violence for Pennsylvania on
Q: Minimum eviction notice for family member in Erie, PA with informal arrangements

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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate, Personal Injury and Gov & Administrative Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does a girlfriend have tenant rights if the will allows her to stay but executors deny access?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How can I evict my ex-girlfriend from my PA home?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Am I obligated to rent to a tenant with a service dog despite no-dog policy?

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

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to evict a non-paying roommate in Pennsylvania?

I'm trying to evict my roommate, who is also a friend. I allowed her and her son to stay rent-free for almost a year until she found a job. Now that she is employed, she won't contribute financially or move out. We only had a verbal agreement about her staying, and I provided her with a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Collections and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can jointly-owned property be protected from debt judgment in PA?

I am preparing to challenge a collection agency over a personal loan debt that I am contesting in Pennsylvania. I live in a state that recognizes Tenancy By the Entirety. If a judgment is awarded against me, can my bank account, real estate, and other jointly-owned property be protected from... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a hotel tow my vehicle based on its appearance without parking violations in PA?

I have been residing in the same hotel room for two years, consistently paying for my stay. My vehicle was parked legally, but the hotel initially complained about the items around my van and its appearance. I addressed these concerns within the time allotted. However, two months later, they towed... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it legal to publicly discuss a complaint letter about a property manager's discrimination?

I am the activity director of an over-55 community. Recently, I received a letter signed by "tenants of the building" accusing our property manager of discriminating against white residents and implicitly labeling all tenants as racists. However, I believe only one person is behind this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Collections and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Statute of limitations for collecting back rent in PA with partial payments

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

David Kennedy Bifulco
David Kennedy Bifulco pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Pennsylvania on
Q: Gun misfired inside rental car causing damage, no injuries. How to proceed?

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

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
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

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I own my home & pay all expenses. My boyfriend lives here & hasn’t paid for anything. How do I get him to leave?

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.

Anthony M. Avery
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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.

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

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