Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

Landlord Harassment?

I moved into a rental property in January of 2006. In March of 2006, the landlady came to the apartment and threatened to have my roommate and I evicted for violating the lease. She stated that we violated the lease by having an unauthorized pet in the apartment. In regards to the pet, she sent us a letter stating we could have the pet (which we have). We feel that she is retaliating against us for not signing an addendum she presented to us in February (she left me a voice mail stating sign the addendum or she would end the lease). My roommate and I would like to leave, but the landlady says she will keep the security deposit and the last month's rent for being in violation. She has placed a 'For Rent' sign in the yard and online (for $100 more a month).

We feel she is trying to make money by scamming her tenants. We have been in contact with her previous tenants and they have had similar issues with her (she took over $2k of their money).

What options, if any, do we have to end the lease without penalty? Is there a time frame in which we need to act? We have submitted a certified letter to her stating that we are not in violation of the lease since she sent us a letter allowing the pet.


Asked on 3/13/06, 4:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: Landlord Harassment?

Well because you have the letter you're in the clear on the pet.

As to her ending the lease you'll have to look to see if she has any valid reasons under the lease to terminate it.

If she does not have a reason mentioned in the lease. Time to send her another letter to cease and desist. Her actions are in violation of your right to quiet enjoyment. If the letter does not work. You next step is to file suit at the District Magistrate asking that she stop or answer to the court.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

{John}

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Answered on 3/14/06, 9:11 am


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