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Pennsylvania Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

It's frustrating when processes don’t go as expected, especially when facing something as serious as eviction. The municipal court may have required you to file a petition to stay the eviction because they need specific documentation to halt proceedings. This is sometimes standard procedure... View More

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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: 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 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: 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: 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 Family Law, Juvenile Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my mom kick me out at 18 or is there anyway i’m protected from homelessness?

I’m from PA and i turned 18 about 4 months ago. my mom threatened to call the police on me to kick me out after an argument but when i told my friend he mentioned squatters rights would protect me so I was curious as to if that were true or if she can still kick me out within 3 days

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In Pennsylvania, once you turn 18, you are legally considered an adult and your parents are no longer obligated to provide housing for you. However, if you have been living in the home, you may have some protections under landlord-tenant laws.

While your friend mentioned squatter's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: PA Landlord not renewing/have recovery of real prop hearing soon, amt on notice 3x's $ owe. how much time after hearing

I heard i can file a superseadas to stay in prop, and I can't afford 3x's rent to file that, my income dropped from 65k to 30k if that. the prothonatary won't give instructions to fill out, nor will the court office clerks. What steps and rights do i have?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

I understand you're facing a challenging situation with your landlord not renewing your lease and a pending hearing for recovery of the property. Here are some key points and suggestions:

1. Supersedeas: You mentioned filing a supersedeas to stay on the property. In PA, a supersedeas...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: What happens if the landlord you sign a lease with sells the property prior to moving in and no one notified the tenant?

A lease was signed by tenant & landlord but tentant already 3 mos on exisiting lease. The landlord offered 2 mos free rent (this was later learned it was to make the property more appealing to a buyer)but landlord sold the property before the tenant took possession. Neither the landlord who... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information you provided, there are a few key legal issues to consider:

1. Validity of the lease: Generally, when a property is sold, the new owner is bound by any existing leases. This means that your lease should still be valid even though the property was sold before you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do we have to pay a full months rent if asked to leave early ?

We have a month to month lease. landlord is having us vacate on April 25th but also have new place and our move in date is the April 15th. Could we just advise we are moving out a sooner date and only pay up until then? The lease is more of a signed handshake deal. We never went through a township... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In a month-to-month lease, you typically pay rent for the entire month, regardless of which day you move out. However, given your situation, you have a few options:

1. Negotiate with your landlord: Explain your situation to your landlord and ask if they would be willing to prorate your rent...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: How early can my landlord require me to sign a new lease before he finds a new tenant?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

When it comes to renewing your lease, your landlord may have a specific timeline in mind for when they would like to secure a new agreement. Typically, this process can begin anywhere from 30 to 90 days before your current lease is set to expire. This period allows both you and the landlord... 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 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
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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
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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
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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...
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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
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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...
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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
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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
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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

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