What are my rights as a renter in Pennsylvania if my landlord is not maintaining the property properly?

As a renter in Pennsylvania, you are entitled to a safe and habitable living environment as per state law. If your landlord is not maintaining the property properly, you have several options for seeking a remedy.

First, you should notify your landlord of the issue in writing and give them a reasonable amount of time to make the necessary repairs. If they fail to do so, you can file a complaint with your local housing authority or code enforcement office. They will investigate the issue and may take legal action against your landlord if they find violations.

You may also have the option of withholding rent until the repairs are made, but this should only be done as a last resort and after seeking legal advice. If you decide to withhold rent, you must follow specific procedures and requirements under Pennsylvania law, including putting the rent in an escrow account.

If your landlord retaliates against you for reporting the issue or seeking a remedy, you may have a legal claim for retaliation or discrimination under federal or state fair housing laws.

It's important to keep records of all communication with your landlord and any actions you take to seek a remedy, including pictures of the issue and any receipts or invoices for repairs you make yourself.

If you need further assistance, you may want to consult with a local tenant rights organization or a licensed attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law.

Sample Letter to Landlord Notifying of Maintenance Issue

[Date]

[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Landlord Name],

I am writing to advise you of an issue in my rental unit at [Rental Address]. Specifically, [describe the maintenance issue in detail].

I have attempted to resolve the issue on my own but have been unable to do so. I request that you take immediate action to remediate the issue so that I may continue to have a safe and habitable living environment.

Please be advised that failure to take appropriate action in a timely manner could result in legal action or withholding of rent, as allowed by Pennsylvania state law.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]