Breaking Lease in Pennsylvania

[laeriel]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Pennsylvania.

My landlord recently put the house I currently rent up for sale. He never sent any written notification of this decision, nor has he called about it. I learned of it from my downstairs neighbor when I saw the advertisement on the front of the house.

I understand that, were the house to sell, the new owners are obligated to let me continue living here through the duration of my current lease, but I would rather not stay. The fact that he hasn't informed me of this leads me to believe that I will also not be notified in the event that someone will be coming to view my apartment. I've had other issues with him in the brief time I've lived here - birds nesting in my top floor ceiling (took him 3 months to put decon in to get rid of them), my water-heater breaking my first week in (took him 2 weeks to get a new one) etc.

I have the opportunity to move into another house with a friend and have one month to do so. My lease isn't up until the end of February. I'm wondering what my rights are and what to expect when I notify my landlord that I will be moving out in a month's time. Should I just move out and not notify him and let him evict me when I don't offer November's rent?

Thanks!

[Mr. Knowitall]

If you want to be evicted, end up with a judgment against you, and have that affect your ability to rent a new place from any landlord who runs a credit check....

[lill]

1. The landlord is under no legal obligation to inform you of his/her plans to sell.

2. PA law does not require the landlord to give prior notice before entering the unit....unless notice is outlined in your lease. Some local laws require that "reasonable notice" be given. You need to check your area for specifics.

3. Failure to complete your lease and/or give proper notice can land you in court for breach of contract. The landlord can obtain a judgment against you. This judgment will trash your credit and make it nearly impossible to rent elsewhere for the next 7-14 years. The landlord can also attempt to collect on the judgment through wage garnishment...if your state allow such. Many states also allow the landlord to levy bank accounts and seize IRS return.