Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

The landlord/seller has responsibility only for repairs that have been listed in writing in the lease. The disclosures also should have been in writing. In a "rent to own", your rights to purchase or get legal title should also have been spelled out in detail as much as a Purchase Agreement would provide.

If all of that is in writing, you should consult a local real estate lawyer. You might want to back out of the entire deal, and have the lease and other documents canceled, or you might want to enforce the landlord's obligations, having him make the necessary repairs or allow you to have the repairs made, with a credit against rent and purchase price for the amount you have to spend.

If you make the repairs, consider that you are putting money into a property that you may end up not getting. There are often problems in getting a recordable deed in situations like this.

The lawyer will review your documents and advise what rights and options you have.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.