Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

I rent an apt and have had squirrels in the walls for 2 mon. Initially the landlord ignored my calls and emails. The he sent a maintenance man to fix the hole in the bedroom ceiling caused by the squirrel. I have had to move out of my bedroom and I am living in my living room. There is urine running down the walls. They claim they have gotten 3 squirrels out but ther are still some remaining. My patience has now run its course. Do I have any legal recourse?


Asked on 3/21/12, 5:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Solomon Law Office of Andrew A. Solomon

Yes. First cause the local or county health department or building inspector to lodge a complaint and request an inspection. If the apartment is found to be uninhabitable because of this condition, you can avoid paying rent until the problem is resolved. You can also break the lease claiming that yu have been "constructively evicted" by the landlord's inaction. Finally, you can file a lawsuit against the landlord in small claims court (district justice court) for money damages to cause the landlord to return your rent. The most important thing is to call an exterminator or pest control company to come out and verify the situations so that you have sufficient evidence if you have to go to court. Finally, you can consult a local attorney who can right an appropriate letter to the landlord and advise you of your options. This should not be too expensive.

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Answered on 3/22/12, 5:40 pm


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