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Pennsylvania Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My wife and I were both on lease,can she make me leave them her and landlord wrote new lease with only her name on it

Wife threw me out n had new lease written with only her name on it… is this legal???

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

In Pennsylvania, if both spouses are listed on the original lease agreement, and one spouse wants to remove the other from the lease or create a new lease with only their name, it generally requires the consent of both parties. Changing the lease unilaterally, especially without the landlord's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Between a landlord, an original tenant, and a sublessee, who is responsible for injury caused by mold?

sublessee moved in, and a few months later got sick. She tried to sue the landlord, but the landlord said he owed no duty to her because the original tenant was technically her "landlord"

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 16, 2023

In Pennsylvania, the landlord's responsibility for mold-related injuries depends on the case's specific circumstances. However, landlords generally must maintain their rental properties in a habitable condition. This means they must take steps to prevent mold growth and remediate any mold... View More

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1 Answer | 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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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

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

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 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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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

And it's causing me health problem because it seeks into my apartment

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

You cannot typically be evicted for raising legitimate complaints about a neighbor's behavior that is affecting your health, especially if there are clear rules and regulations against such behavior in your housing agreement. If your neighbor's smoking is causing health problems and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a manager tape his office window with paper in the building management dept.its. Humiliating to the tenants .

We pay rent to talk to him .he is working for privacy he can go home

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

Whether a manager can cover his office windows with paper largely depends on the policies of the building and the company. If privacy is needed, there are generally accepted ways to achieve this, such as using frosted glass or blinds, which ensure privacy without entirely blocking out the view.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I just rented a house in norfolk and it is disgusting nothing was done it stunk so bad you could smell out side .isthetr

There is white mold coming through vents and I smell gas the gas companies found leak and red taped. I have water coming up through floor along with roaches I cannot breathe

Nicholas Carbone
Nicholas Carbone
answered on Nov 18, 2023

I would address this to your LL verbally and in writing. If you do not hear anything or if the problem persists, I would recommend calling your town's board of health.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Rent a center

Rent a center is harassing me threating me with jail and being arrested I paid on time every time I recently went on fmla 4weeks ago and can't pay at the time they won't accept what I can pay I just wanna know my legal rights I live in oregon the rent a center is in washington state can... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

In the United States, you cannot be jailed for debt. While Rent-A-Center may have remedies if you breach the rental agreement, such as repossessing the rented items or suing for the balance owed, they cannot have you arrested or jailed for non-payment. Threatening jail time for debt could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can you be evicted for no reason during recovery from spine surgery?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 16, 2023

No, you cannot be evicted for "no reason." The spine surgery is irrelevant. A landlord must state a reason, such as non-payment of rent, another breach by you of your lease, or the expiration of your lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a landlord hold several months of utility bills and then drop them on you suddenly and expect payment?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 16, 2023

It depends on the terms of the lease agreement as well as the actions of the tenant.

If a tenant agreed to pay utilities, why wouldn’t the tenant be asking for statements on a monthly basis if the utility company bills monthly?

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my roommate sue me after moving out only being here for a week. I havnt signed a lease or anything.

I decided to move out to Pittsburgh PA due to start a new life. My friend offered me a room in exchange I pay half rent. Well a week into living here I got a call from my mother explaining her soon to be surgeries and she will need a care taker full time so I'll have to move back to take care... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Anybody with a couple hundred bucks can sue anybody else. The question is whether they can win.

In your situation, because everything is oral, no writings, other than perhaps the gas bill, and given your mom's needs, my feel is that you can move out with impunity. I don't think...
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1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: i have injured my left knee Bad just getting out of the tub shower, EVEN after my Drs orders MONTHS before. i have proof

and i am made to feel some BAD personal Discrimination going on in my case, with the office and now maintenance said he would report me for getting upset after the floor tile cement had still not dried after 5 days, [ have picts ] and said he would report me for trying to hit him with my cane,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 24, 2023

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry for your ordeal. You mention having a pro bono attorney. These concerns may be better to bring up with your attorney than on a public forum where no one knows the details of your case. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is my landlord allowed to enter our basement n walk around outside of house anytime he wants without notice
Nellie T Schulz
Nellie T Schulz
answered on Aug 5, 2023

A landlord is not permitted to enter into any area which is leased to a tenant, unless the lease expressly contains an exception permitting it or under a dire emergency. Whether the landlord may enter into the basement or outside the house (I’m assuming you’re leasing a house), depends on... View More

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