Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
is it legal for the landlord to keep the utilities from the tenant when the lease clearly states that the tenant is responsible for them, then sends the tenant a lump sum bill for them, and keeps the security deposit from then when the lease expires?
1 Answer from Attorneys
There are various issues that you have raised in your inquiry. With the limited information provided, the terms of the lease always control any landlord/tenant action. Your lease controls the payment terms and conditions. As for the security deposit, the Landlord Tenant Act sets forth rules that a landlord must follow when a tenant vacates the premises. If these rules were not followed, you may have a claim against your landlord for your security deposit. You should consider seeking the advise of an attorney as to these issues.