Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

Security deposit

I rented a house for 5 years with 2 young children. This house was a nightmare from day one but the price was what i could afford so I stayed. I have had many problems that i made them aware of, but they never fixed any of them.They sent a family member once to look at a problem, but the problem was never fixed costing me over 200.00 a month in water bills. I never missed a rent payment and i always paid within the time period alloted to me. They raised the rent 3 times since i was there, but never did anything to fix the property. Within my 5 years, there was wear and tear to the property, the front screen door broke, a doorknob was broken off of the kids bedroom door, and the hinge on the bathroom door was lose. I moved out of that property 35 days ago and have yet to receive my deposit back, when i talk to them they say they are getting a list of damages together but they have not had the time. They are also claiming damages that i know for certain were not there. I drove by the residence recently and saw a beautiful gold trimmed screen door and new trim ( her daughter is moving in) compared to the old 40.00 door. My question is, can they upgrade the things they claim were ruined and make me pay for them?


Asked on 4/06/05, 12:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: Security deposit

The landlord may by law be required to return your deposit and then sue you if he wishes to get a damage award. Certainly the length of time you have been in the property will make any repair suspect because normal wear and tear is expected. I offer free consultations.

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Answered on 4/06/05, 7:28 am


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