Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

I just signed a lease for an apartment. The day after I received the key, the listing agent called my agent and told him that the property is up for sale. Don't I have a legal right to be informed of this before I sign a lease? Also, the day I received the key, I discovered that I cannot open my oven door more than halfway because pipes along the wall are in the way, and that there is no 3 prong outlet for a dryer. When I was looking at the property, there was a dryer in the basement and hookups for a washer. At that time, I asked my realtor if the dryer was operational, he contacted the listing agent, who said the landlord did not know. Nothing else was said about it. I asked about the dryer before signing anything for the very obvious reason that I was expecting to be able to use a washer and dryer there. After I signed the lease, I contacted the landlord about the lack of an outlet and she told me that a washer/dryer hookup was not included in my lease and that I should not have assumed anything. She went on to say that she would charge me extra if I would use a washer for the extra water usage, which is not specified in my lease. Part of the reason why I rented this apartment was to have the extra storage and laundry area that the basement provided. I believe this landlord decieved me, and misrepresented the property. What rights do I have and can I break the lease and get all my money back? I have not even moved in yet.


Asked on 3/09/12, 6:32 pm

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

You can sue to get out of the lease, claiming misrepresentation and constructive eviction. In this situation, the complexity of such a law suit would, in my opinion, require that you have an attorney. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible, with your lease, and he will advise you of your options. Depending on the attorney, it might cost you between $100 and $200 for an initial consultation, or it may be free. But the money will be well spent, if he gets you out of the lease, and gets your money back.

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Answered on 3/10/12, 12:55 pm


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