Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

I rented out a house on february 4th 2012. There were various maintenence issues that needed to be addressed including front doors being replaced, replacing a fridge, plumbing issues, broken window glass, etc. Numerous issues that we were unaware of before moving in. I took pictures and emailed a packet containing the pictures and details on each issue the same week we moved in. They have yet to been addressed by landlord almost 3 months later. Where should i go from here? The landlord wants his rent money in full every month but he hasn't fixed any of the issues yet and I feel as though after i put down four thousand dollars on the property to move in to begin with that I shouldn;t have to give him anymore money if he is not doing his part.


Asked on 4/23/12, 2:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Kaplan Affordable Legal Center, LLC

Generally, tenants have the options of the right to repair and deduct the cost from the rent, escrow the rent until the landlord makes the repairs, or move out. In each of the options, the tenant must notify (should be through certified mail) the landlord and provide reasonable time where appropriate.

You could file a Complaint with License and Inspections as the issues may violate building code violations.

If there is a Fair Housing Agency within your county (Phila has one), you could file a Complaint with the agency and they would investigate. Generally, courts won't evict during an active Complaint.

David M. Kaplan, Esquire

Affordable Legal Center, LLC

2448 Cottman Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19149

t-215-333-LAWS (5297)

f-215-333-5342

Web: afforablelegaloffice.com

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Answered on 4/27/12, 5:10 am


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