Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Written threats by LL to raise rent/terminate lease due to request for repairs

I requested maintenance in writing with my December rent payment and my landlord replied by sending us a nasty letter stating that he was ''tired of [our] complaining'' and that he plans to raise the rent ''next year'' (which would apply to 2002, mid lease) and that he will not renew our lease in September. It also says, ''maybe you should find a new place to live''. This was an informal handwritten note, which I still have. My question is whether or not these threats are grounds for us to break our lease and move out immediatly. I have 3 small children and must remain in same school district. Waiting until our lease is up in September would put us in a terrible situation because we have space requirements and location requirements that may not be available at a reasonable rent in Sept. We have found a suitable rental that can accomodate the family available in mid February. My lease requires 2 months notice on the part of the tenant and the landlord. Should we move? Will we be responsible for 2 months rent? Should we expect a return of our security deposit?


Asked on 2/04/02, 2:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gerald Hershenson Law Office of Gerald M. Hershenson

Re: Written threats by LL to raise rent/terminate lease due to request for repai

I would suggest that you call your landlord and ask to be released from your lease. Unless he consents the items that you described would not be grounds for breaking any lease. Your lease must be reviewed by an attorney to accurately assess your legal remedies. However, if you obtain permission from the landlord to terminate your lease you should be fine. I recommend that you get something in writing from him agreeing to the termination. If I can be of any assistence, please call at 215-579-9390.

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Answered on 2/04/02, 3:48 pm


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