Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

Entered lease 11/1/12, rent $1400 they required 1st, last, security and $500 pet deposit (lease does not state non refundable) renewed lease 2xs after. It was up for renewal in October 2015, we explained we were in contract on a home set to close in Nov. so would be using last months rent for Nov. All communication is through email. We had appraisal issues, set back to 12/28 contacted the landlord explained and said we would be sending another months rent if it was ok, she agreed. We were paid up to 12/31. on 12/14 her husband wrote us saying if we don't renew the lease by 12/17 we will need to be out by 12/31 and this serves as notice.

On 12/27 he emailed me saying we need our keys immediately, if I need to sue you, I will win and take your paychecks. Also same night at 1am a strange car parked in front of our house and stood there for about 10 minutes (we live in a gated community) Since than I have kept all curtains closed, made sure my neighbor who is a cop knows what's going on and have been uncomfortable but with 3 kids I couldn't just leave on command. 12/28 closing pushed back again, told him we will be out by 1/17 due to having to make other arrangements, I also explained that after reading tenants rights, I would like to know where my deposit was being held because it was never disclosed as well as informing him that he was only supposed to keep 1 month deposit after first lease renewal. (when we moved here his realtor made us sign the check to the HOA office to pay back dues)

We were going to send in another month to cover until January 31, but after his emails I tried finding other arrangements as fast as I could but couldn't get the moving Pod here until yesterday or I would have been gone.

Since than I have received several emails threatening, calling me a squatter, your highness etc. No court papers. I told him not to email me anymore and blocked him than at 1am I get emails from his wife's account! Our Pods pick up is tomorrow, our house is not ready yet but I would rather go 1 state away and stay with my mom than to worry everyday and we will be out by the day I told him, before this we have never been late on rent, never bothered them to fix anything, we did it. We even patched the small holes from pictures etc. and were planning on shampooing the carpets but I am not going to go out of my way after this treatment.

What are my rights here? Can I file harassment? We were never told where our deposit was, he kept more than legally allowed and wont stop! Also on the security issue, since we are 17 days into the month is it daily prorated or is he entitled to the entire month?


Asked on 1/16/16, 12:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Really I wonder what his Supreme Court Id Number is. First, garnishment of wages only happens if you fail to pay rent. Further its not easy. Next the rule is if you pay you stay. So he better get over it he looks like a total jerk. I guess he found a better paying tenant who wanted to move in immediately. If he sues you he might get you out of there for months.

{John}

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Answered on 1/16/16, 10:43 am


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