Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

landlord/tenant problem

I am stuck in a

lease until December 31,2002 but already moved out because I was concerned

that I would be evicted since my roommate was not paying his rent. I did sign a joint lease and

unfortunately I also found out that the only reason the landlord accepted my

roommates application was due to my payment history and good credit. My

roommate has very poor credit. I feel as though the

landlord put me in a bad situation from day 1. This situation left me with

no choice but to move out and still pay rent. There is also a provision in

the lease agreement that prohibits subletting so I was stuck. I was afraid

that I would soon get an eviction notice especially since it came down to my

landlord contacting me at my office looking for money when I already paid my

share of the rent on time. Is there anything that can be done? I am losing

out on a great deal of money and cannot afford to pay Nov. and Dec.'s rent.


Asked on 10/23/02, 12:26 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Lance Nelson MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Re: landlord/tenant problem

You have a couple options. One, sue you roommate. But, it doesn't sound like that will be too successful. Two, you can try and cut a deal with your landlord so he doesn't have to sue you and your roomamte for the rent. Three, you can pay therent. Good luck.

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Answered on 10/23/02, 12:43 pm
Scott Diamond DIAMONDLAWYER

Re: landlord/tenant problem

first, you need to sue your roomate in small claims court. second, if you dont pay the rent, the landlord will need to sue you and you can use what you listed as as defense. The landlord also has a duty to try to rerent the unit in order to mitgate damages.

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Answered on 10/23/02, 1:16 pm


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