Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

Lease renewal

Can a lease renewal include a change of terms?

I signed a lease renewal in Pittsburgh. My original lease was for 6 months and the renewal (in small print, of course) turns out to have been for a period of a year. Now I'd like to move but am apparently bound to the year lease.

Please email the answer to my question. Thank you.


Asked on 4/06/05, 5:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: Lease renewal

A lease "renewal" is a continuation of the terms of an old lease. A renewal is often "automatic" under the terms of a lease unless somebody gives notice that they want to change the lease or not "renew."

If you SIGNED a new document, though, it was not a renewal, it's a new lease. If you just signed a piece of paper that said you were renewing your lease (i.e., no lease attached to it) then all of the terms of the old lease would still be in effect; however, if you signed a new lease thinking that it was the same as the old one, you are bound by the terms of what you signed.

You should always READ what you're signing.

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Answered on 4/06/05, 6:12 pm
Marc V. Taiani AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law

Re: Lease renewal

I would agree with Mr. Pascal as it relates to his legal advice, I would also recommend that you contact counsel as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary litigation.

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

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Answered on 4/08/05, 10:37 am


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