Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Re: Responsibility of payment

First of, deepest sympathies to your family for such a tragic loss. The circumstances of your niece's passing must have been very difficult.

Second, while landlords may have a reputation as scum, that landlord has raised the bar. That's just astonishing. I don't know if there's a list for the 10 worst landlords from hell, but that guy has retired the trophy.

As a purely contractual matter, unless a family member co-signed the lease, they wouldn't be responsible for ANYTHING. Even if a deceased tenant did something wrong (say, deliberately started a fire and burned down the whole building) the landlord's only recourse would be against the estate of the decedent.

The lease probably provides for a damage deposit and maybe makes the tenant liable for any damage, whether or not negligent. So the landlord may have a claim against the estate for damage, and for rent, but I doubt if very many landlords would actually pursue it in a situation like this.

Landlord probably has insurance for fire and other hazards, but it might not cover this. Doesn't really matter whether it's covered or not, there's no way parents or other relatives are liable (unless, like I said, they co-signed).

If the landlord tries anything more, tell him you're going to consult a lawyer about intentional infliction of emotional distress.