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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    7

    Exclamation Landlord Raised the Rent When Extending the Lease Term

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

    To try and make a very long story short, my husband (then boyfriend), friend, and I moved into a two bedroom apartment in February for $875/month. The landlord required that we each had a parent sign (and they each did). We had already been living together for a year, and saw no problems. In April, I fell right outside of our apartment, breaking three and shattering a fourth bone. Due to my injury I could not work for over three months. My in-laws helped us financially during that time. I was under the impression that the lease would be a standard twelve month lease, and that's what I remember it saying. Either I read incorrectly or foul play is involved ( i am currently waiting on a copy). I was shocked when i received a new lease to sign in august, with the rent being raised to $950/ month. Our roommate went and spoke with the landlord, telling us she was going to be signing a separate lease in order to move out in January 2014. I spoke with the landlord and he said "Everything was taken care" in regards to our roommate, so my husband and I signed the lease, knowing that we have someone available to move in with us in January. The landlord also said that he would send a copy to our parents and have them sign it, them still being written on the lease as co-signers. Days after our wedding, the roommate announced she'd be leaving by the end of september. We have not been able to find a replacement, and that in conjunction with my injury we haven't been able to afford the rent. When I spoke to the landlord, he denied ever having agreed to write up a separate lease for the now ex roommate. We have tried working out a system of making repairs around the apartment in order to take money off the rent, however the landlord refuses. I just spoke to my father, and he informed me that he never signed this new lease, neither have my in laws. Since they have not signed it, does that render the lease invalid? Their names are written on it with a space for them to sign, he just never sent it out to them. Also, since the apartment is on the second floor, my doctor or lawyer may be able to provide me with a medical out from the lease, is this something i should talk to them about?

    Thank you!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Landlord Raised Rent, Never Had the Co-Signers Resign New Lease

    " I just spoke to my father, and he informed me that he never signed this new lease, neither have my in laws. Since they have not signed it, does that render the lease invalid? "

    No. You two signed it.

    " Also, since the apartment is on the second floor, my doctor or lawyer may be able to provide me with a medical out from the lease, is this something i should talk to them about?"

    What makes you believe your physician can get you out of your lease from an injury that took place 7 months ago when you've been residing in the same place this entire time? What makes you believe a physician can legally get anyone out of a lease?

    Instead of expending all this energy attempting to wriggle out of a lease you've signed, continue to work toward finding a roommate to help with the rent.

    Gail

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    7

    Default Re: Landlord Raised Rent, Never Had the Co-Signers Resign New Lease

    I just want to know my rights on the issue. My injury has left me partially disabled, and stairs are both very dangerous and very difficult. I was under the impression that all parties name had to sign since it is a legally binding contract, and just wanted to know if what i had heard was correct.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Landlord Raised Rent, Never Had the Co-Signers Resign New Lease

    So....your argument will be that you two signed a lease in August and that it's now not a legally binding contract in November because mom and dad also didn't sign it???

    That is likely to go as far in court as your claim that you're suddenly partially disabled after living in the same second floor situation since your injury 7 months ago.

    Gail

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    7

    Default Re: Landlord Raised Rent, Never Had the Co-Signers Resign New Lease

    I have been partially disabled since the accident, and originally thought that I would not have as long lasting damage as there has been. As of today we are having to move to a ranch style house so that I do not exacerbate my injuries. I suppose it doesn't matter now because the lease is being broken regardless.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Landlord Raised Rent, Never Had the Co-Signers Resign New Lease

    It will matter greatly to the two of you if your landlord decides to sue you for doing so.

    Gail

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