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Pennsylvania Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is there a time limit to collect money owed for back rent if it's been 2 years since ruling of magistrate?

District magistrate ruled in favor of previous landlord for money owed in back rent. Any money was to be paid to that landlord. That was 2 years ago and I have not been able to pay. Is there anything that landlord can still do to collect that money. Such as garnish wages or sheriff's sale of... View More

Brian Lehman
Brian Lehman
answered on Jan 23, 2017

Yes, the landlord has 20 years. There are generally two types of property that the judgment creditor can go after: real property, and personal property. “An execution against personal property must be issued within 20 years after the entry of the judgment upon which the execution is to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello, I moved in with my son in another state.I let my daughter rent my home but she has not paid me rent in 6 months

I want to sell she will not leave the home what can I do, I am paying all utilities every month also.I can't afford to do this I am on a fixed income

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jan 20, 2017

You can sell. You may need to go there to inspect the place, to make sure she doesn't trash it. I think first before going legal is talk to a family counselor. You need something less drastic; she needs to become an adult.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: My parents passed away in 2004, I am the executor to the will and the house was deeded to myself and 3 siblings.

I have paid all the taxes and insurance since 2004 myself. In 2012 my sisters grandson moved into the house with no written lease, only verbal agreement. He was aloud to live in the home rent free for two years, at the end of the two years rent would be due in the amount of $500.00/month. He has... View More

Mark Scoblionko
Mark Scoblionko
answered on Dec 19, 2016

Your question is unfortunately unclear. If the house still remains in the estate, you, as Executor, can act alone. If the estate was closed out and the property was actually deeded to you and your siblings, the fact that you were the Executor is irrelevant. If the house was deeded, the next... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Commercial tenant breach of lease-

Commercial Tenant moved out before lease ended. Landlord is suing tenant for breach of lease agreement. However.. 1 month after tenant moved out landlord submitted an application to the borough for a new zoning permit to put another type of business in the building along with an application to the... View More

Evan Charles Pappas
Evan Charles Pappas
answered on Dec 2, 2016

Unless the lease indicates that the landlord's application to change the use of the premises causes a default or termination of the lease (which is unlikely), it is doubtful that a court would hold that the tenant is not responsible for the remainder of the lease merely because of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is a deceased tenant's estate responsible for 90 days rent because for failure to give a 90 days notice due to death?

My sister passed away on Aug. 3rd and I notified the rental management office on Aug. 4th. Her rent was paid up to the end of the month. They said that the lease calls for a 90 day notice regardless of death. I received the rent bill on Nov. 7th along with a late fee and $800 charges for... View More

Mark Scoblionko
Mark Scoblionko
answered on Nov 13, 2016

If the estate is insolvent, your question is likely academic because there are no assets to fight over. You, as Executor, have no personal liability for estate debts in the absence of mismanagement.

With respect to the underlying question itself, the landlord may be correct that your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a tenant refuses to sign a lease, can they be evicted?

I bought a house with tenants living on the first floor. I moved into the second floor and they remained on the first floor. They never had a lease with the previous owner.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 11, 2016

They need a notice to quit that is the length of their normal payment--weekly, monthly, whatever. They are a "hold over " tenant. Consult an attorney in your county who handles leases so you do the notice to quit the right way.Self help is not an option.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: had to break lease due to health issues can we get our deposit back?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 11, 2016

Unlikely depends on health reasons --if they go to the contract yes; if they are just you got sick and couldn't afford it, no unless the lease provides.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a landlord evict just for different political views?

My aunt and her boyfriend put up a sign in the yard and a bumper sticker on their truck for the candidate they support. The landlord is now trying to evict them. Is this something that can actually be done? The rent has been paid and there's no violation of lease. The property consists of a... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 1, 2016

He has to put reasons on his notice to quit.

If they have a lease, they should be fine as long as they pay rent.

Even if he gives them a notice to quit they should offer to pay the rent.

Payments should be made by check. At the bottom of the check it should say what month...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: do I have a case against old landlord? Can I get any of my money back they were to repay and never did? I have reciepts

Moved into relatives house after they evicted the elderly lady from there telling her they were moving back but ended up renting it to me. I hadn't seen the place since I was a child and the elderly lady lived there for about 8 years. I didn't realize the house would not be humane to live... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 1, 2016

Legally, yes. In terms of how it will go down with the DJ, it will depend on what you were charged(if you got a break the DJ will perhaps view that as payment in exchange), the degree to which you have anything in writing, etc. But send them an itemized list and see what they say. You can make a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My question is a question about security deposits.

I recently moved into a home, section 8 approved. The landlord let section 8 determine the rent and he said he'd work with us regarding the security deposit, we paid 200 of 500. He never gave us deadline although we agreed to pay it in a timely manner, we are in our second month, rents been... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 11, 2016

You need to look at your lease. HUD section 8 leases would not allow him to do that. Make sure when you pay anything you pay by check--& write on the check what it is for. That way you have a record that the bank also has. Receipts are only good if you absolutely don't lose them--and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: If two people sign a year leasing contract for an apartment. In less than 6 months from signing the contract one of the

If two people sign a year leasing contract for an apartment. In less than 6 months from signing the contract, one of the people chooses to leave without taking responsibility. The monthly rent is $885 plus rental insurance. The other tenant who also signed the contract is unable to pay that amount... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 28, 2016

Sue the departing person if they won't pay. I would suggest best strategy is get a roomate who will pay or get out of the lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does my landlord still have to go though the courts no matter what the issue is in order to get us out of the appartment
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 28, 2016

Generally yes,but in a rooming house situation it may be different.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: In PA my landlord emailed me a list of damages and I received my check for security deposit back 32 days after move out.

Is an email valid for the list of damages?? And because my security deposit was returned later than 30 day after move out am I entitled to two times my security deposit back?

"After taking out damages and unpaid rent, a landlord or property owner must send its tenants the list of... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 24, 2016

Read the quote--it says must send, doesn't say it has to be received. I don't think the Court would have a problem if you get it two days after day 30. Nor do Isee them having an issue with an emailed list.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I rent a house in pa the septic system needs to be repaired the landlord gave a 10 day eviction notice instead of repair

Can i be evicted because the landlord doesnt want to repair the septic system its a month to month lease im current on payments

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 22, 2016

You can respond that you are at least entitled to a)30 day notice to quit and b)staying the month you paid for. Suggest you contact Legal Services. If you aren't eligible ask them a)if they have a booklet on your rights b)if they can at least tell you what to do if and when served papers and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is there a law prohibiting rental agents from telling potential renters about the neighbors?

I visited an apartment today, asked about the neighbors who live in the upstairs apartment, and the agent said she wasn't allowed to say.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 18, 2016

No law, just diplomacy.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Water co called the landlord to Let them in with 24 hr notice to tenants apt to shut off water for non pay- is it legal?

Water shut off is in tenants basement.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 15, 2016

If the water is in the tenant's name, yes. Landlord cant shut off utilities but the utility company can--it's not landlord's responsibility to pay if water is in tenant's name.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for Pennsylvania on
Q: In the state of PA can i get denied Hud because of to much income?Living in Housing already.

I just want to understand the process of why would there be a problem on my income. I am a single parent two children under my care .

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 2, 2016

I think this is a duplicate post. If you are already in Public Housing it is a bit odd that you would be denied, however it's possible it's a different Housing grant with a different set of requirements (for instance Section 8 is different than section 235, etc). Look at my response to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My husband's name was not on the lease to our apartment. I kicked him out due to a few different reasons.

He is now trying to sue me for an illegal eviction. Is this possible. We are in the process of getting a divorce also.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 30, 2016

Talk to your divorce attorney. Short answer is if he wasn't on the lease he doesn't have a right to have you give him any notice.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: There was an incident involving gun shot and a dead victim just outside the house that we are renting. Can I vacate?

I would like to terminate the lease in order to move to more safer place since I have a 8 month baby. What are my options? I am considering giving up my security deposit (1 month's rent) + 1 month's rent to help the landlord to get the place re-rented. Following were the terms at the time... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 25, 2016

Looks like a diy lease. Person should try to negotiate lease but if landlord digs in get a consultation from an attorney who handles tenant issues.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a tenant break their lease without penalty if they are moving to a senior living community?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 25, 2016

Don't see why they should be able to. However the landlord has to mitigate their damages--they can't just not advertise the place. Suggest tenant try to negotiate a withdrawal and maybe find someone else to take over the lease.

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