Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
landlord refusal to fix anything (absent landlord)
i have been renting this house with my three children for over 18 months and have paid $650.00 per month until feb.2005...after several letters and dozens of phone calls they will not fix anything...the roof leaks in three locations thruout and the electric has damaged all of our appiances (fridge,pc,coffemaker,tv's...have reiepts..more than once 2-3 times thus far)we also have plumbing issues (lead water service) and drains clogging ..i found out thru an inspection by a private agency and city ...it has failed and they will not fix anything..they are taking me to court in ten days (served by a constible tonight) on march 30,2005 for the past due rent...also we had to pay $300 to have the furnace repaires last dec.2004 to stay warm...no response all they want is there money...can i sue them for theft of services...and can i have the work done and documented that the city required....and demand they pay me to get this house up to code...i plan on moving this may 2005 i bought a house but will not be ready till may june..can i do this...respectfully
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: landlord refusal to fix anything (absent landlord)
There are several options you can take, however, it my recommendation that you speak with an attorney on this matter as soon as possible prior to going to any hearing. Failure to do so will possibly subject yourself to eviction, fines, and court costs.
My office also offers flat rate pricing and free consultations, for additional information please visit my firm's website at www.AlleghenyAttorneys.com or by calling my office at 412.731.0865.
Sincerely,
Marc V. Taiani, Esquire
AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law
Re: landlord refusal to fix anything (absent landlord)
If you are withholding rent, you have to place the amount you would normally pay into an escrow account, and send a letter to the landlord saying you are doing this. You will have to document this to the court. You could also file a counterclaim against the landlord for amounts you have expended that are the landlord's responsibility.
Contact me by email or at 724-845-8340 or 412-855-6598 if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.
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