Once the utilities have been shut off, the situation may become more complicated. press@attorneygeneral.gov, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Strawberry Square

The written lease agreement must include whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for paying for the utilities. This site will ask you a set of questions related to your tenancy and create a state-specific agreement based on your answers. However, be carefulyou may need to put down a sizable deposit and it may also affect your lease. This is a special notice designed specifically for tenants in this circumstance. Fax: 250.101. Can My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities Because I Am Behind in Rent?

WebSection9. Best practice differs based on location and circumstance. Utilities are essential services necessary to make a dwelling livable. 2001 - 2023, Pro Bono Net, All Rights Reserved.

After the first 10 days, the landlord may move the items to another location and charge the tenant storage costs.

Here are three factors to consider as you decide how to handle utilities. A lease may be written or oral, but in some instances a written lease agreement is required. Maryland requires landlords to provide access to heat, light, electricity, hot/cold running water, and adequate sewage disposal. McKinney Properties Inc. was alleged to have illegally charged a 15% Administrative Charge on top of damage/cleaning/painting charges. Call your utility company to inform them of your PFA so these special procedures and protections can put in place for you.

68 P.S. He grew up in Delaware County's Morton borough and has a degree in journalism from Temple University.

-Ze!M5^[tfPlV>*tTD~'"Z4u?

1. His work has also appeared inPhiladelphia magazine andTechnical.lyPhilly. Pennsylvania allows a landlord to evict a tenant for violating written lease terms.

If the tenant is responsible for paying the utility bill, the Pennsylvania Utility Code requires the landlord to ensure that each residential unit is individually metered. These include electricity, gas, water/sewage disposal, and trash collection. Pennsylvania does not have any laws regarding landlord right to entry. % WebIf your landlord is responsible for paying for utility service and fails to pay the utility bill or if the landlord instructs the utility company to shut off your service, the Utility Services Tenants Right Act requires that you be notified by the utility company at least 30 days in advance.

If you have any questions or need legal advice, you can, ask a local landlord tenant lawyer online, screen tenant applicants with a background check or full credit report from RentPrep, customize your own lease agreement at LawDepot, Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, Pennsylvania Statutes Title 68, Section 250.101 to 250.602 - Landlord and Tenant Act, Disclosure and information of lead-based paint in the property (for housing built before 1978), Property damage due to negligence, misuse or abuse by tenant, occupants or tenant's guests, Costs and losses incurred by landlord due to the tenant violating the lease or failing in duties - See, Cleanliness: Keep the property clean and safe (as far as conditions will allow), Property Damage: Avoid property damage due to negligence, misuse or abuse by the tenant, tenant's family or tenant's guests, Neighbors: Avoid disturbing neighbors and also disallow others from disturbing neighbors, Any rent owed or property damages caused by the tenant(after deducting from the security deposit first), Costs incurred by the landlord due to the tenant's death. Weatherizing, locks, running water, working plumbing, heating and cooling, pest control, and other basics must be in place.

In addition, Pennsylvania landlord tenant law prohibits landlords from discriminating someone as a renter because of age.

The utility company cannot shut off your service if you obtain medical certification that someone in your home is seriously ill or someone has a medical condition that will be made worse by a shut off. The tenant may be responsible for electric and gas while the landlord is responsible for water and sewer. The utility company must give your landlord at least 37 days notice that it will be turning off service. notice must state the amount of rent owed and that the rental agreement Can Tenant Withhold Rent if Utilities are Not Paid For/Shut Off? Your rent price should typically be based on seasonality, local rental comps, your operating expenses, and how much profit you hope to generate each month. 3. Who is Responsible for Paying for Utilities? If your landlord makes any change to your rental agreement or tries to evict you within six months, its considered retaliation. 250.502-A Tenant Duties and Responsibilities Pennsylvania landlord tenant law 68 P.S. Before renting a home, find out how Pennsylvania landlord tenant law affects you. 16th Floor, Strawberry Square Pennsylvania allows a landlord to evict a tenant for violating written lease terms. The guide also provides information on state and federal resources that can offer additional information or assistance to Pennsylvania renters.

This Handbook from North Penn Legal Services provides detailed information about renting a residence from a landlord from North Penn Legal Services (NPLS). 250.503-A) Tenants must comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety. Anytenantwhohasmadeapaymenttoautilityonaccount ofnonpaymentbythelandlordratepayerpursuanttothisact Code, Public Utilities 7-307.1, This site offers legal information, not legal advice. Stat. Fourth, the tenant must pay all or part of the utility bill (including payments made on the utility service account) OR must pay any security deposit required to obtain a new utility service account. If youre listing your rental in a competitive market, then you can market how your rent price includes utilities to generate interest from prospective tenants. `nv?&H2 1{{OK&G{+yr/ K`MUX7.w%7u,nRmTp9.AKHG9dLE The guide is intended to inform

Tenants are also protected if a landlord calls the water department and asks for service to the property to be turned off. Is the Landlord Allowed to Shut Off Tenants Utilities? Create an account to make a lease agreement for your rental and collect rental fees from tenants. The guide is intended to inform PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS. 68 P.S. Security DepositsRental AgreementsRent LawsRental Application LawsTenant Screening LawsRental Property Repair LawsNotice of Entry LawsPet LawsRetaliationReference. Pennsylvania law has many different rules surrounding breaking a lease agreement, especially when it comes to ending it before it expires. You also may be able to have the utility service transferred to your name. WebSection9. (a)(b), From the third year of tenancy, the landlord has to hold any security deposit over $100 in an escrow account. Most commonly, if your landlord is responsible for paying a utility bill, its most likely going to be the water bill, says Robert Ballenger, codirector of Community Legal Services of Philadelphias energy unit. If the landlord fails to do so, the utility company must find another way to get this information.

Usually, that means a possible or impending shutoff. Code, Real Property 8-216. 68 P.S. State law also says that you can deduct payments you make on the water bill from your rent. 5 0 obj And if youre a tenant whose landlord hasnt been able to keep up with the bills in their name, that might be a little troubling.

If the utility wont give you notice, PhillyTenant.org suggests contacting the Water Revenue Bureau at 215-685-6300 and asking for an informal hearing request form (or, if its Peco or PGW, you can file an informal complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission at 800-692-7380).

Short title: This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951." NPLS Self-Help Tenant Handbook English - 2019 Lehigh Valley Edition, NPLS Self-Help Tenant Handbook English - 2019 Northeast PA Edition. In addition to outlining discrimination prohibited by law, the Consumers Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights provides information on tenant rights and best practices related to: The Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights is available on the Office of Attorney Generals website for all Pennsylvanians to access. Let us know what you think of our site or make requests for new content. (TITLE 68) CHAPTER 8 LANDLORD AND TENANT LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT OF 1951 ARTICLE I.

68 P.S. Between April 1 and November 30, if you pay the amount owed in full or make a payment agreement (if eligible) and meet any other conditions required by the utility company, your service must be restored within 3 days.

If necessary, call the Public Utility Commission at 1-800-692-7380.

In 2022, OAG secured $25,000 in restitution for tenants, many of them students, who were taken advantage of by a State College landlord. PALawHelp.org is a project of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and the Legal Services Corporation.

The tenant is not entitled to escrow rent payments if he/she was responsible for paying for the utilities and they were shut off because the tenant did not make those payments. Rent Price Your rent price should typically be based on seasonality, local rental comps, your operating expenses, and how much profit you hope to generate each month. If you receive notice that your utilities will be shut off, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. These rights vary by state but always include the tenants right to a habitable premises, due process before an eviction and more.

provide a copy of the water and/or sewer bill to the tenant. *familial status, national origin or physical/mental handicap. Learn about the rights of landlords and tenants. Landlords may charge tenants for utilities, as opposed to the utility company charging the tenant. 68 P.S.

WebUtility Services Tenant Rights Act There is a Pennsylvania law which protects tenants whose landlords fail to pay their bills. 8:30 am - 8:00 pm, Mon - Fri, Frequently Asked Questions about Utilities for Landlords and Tenants. Therefore, you should consult an attorney before taking or refraining from any action based on the information in this pamphlet. WebSection9. The guide is intended to inform }!2FUG&}|~u:BQJyJ? uT$vO;M7am)}Ny^3Srru8e?[Be@MSV t hJbmd 182qUkMwQu33hGeu Ol F[iDtcL OG>n_on1;B]6z;P:^Sb1 s nvl>|jWnBEE{dc4`az0 [qFk/0-bcjr5h`9\au&:PN uSrGt%.~u{}Q+=]m[3>hU)mpJJnt47ur{z[V@n$`Cz*T P:an $]EP~00j>a8n^1s %.e. WearingApparel,Bibles;SchoolBooks,Sewing Tenant Screening; Lease Terms; Security Deposits; Maintenance; Utility Services; Tenants Associations; Retaliation; Early Termination of a Lease; Eviction; The Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights is available on the Office of Attorney Generals website for all Pennsylvanians to access. Pennsylvania allows a landlord to evict a tenant for violating written lease terms.

This may be considered an illegal attempt to evict you without going through proper legal procedures and if this happens or if the landlord threatens this, you should consult an attorney or call legal aid. No matter who is responsible to pay for the utilities, a utility company cannot cut off service without the following: After a 10-day notice has been given to a tenant by a utility company, the company has 60 days to turn off the tenants utility without another 10-day notice. WebHowever, the City of Philadelphia does require landlords to have a license to rent to tenants. While youre legally required to provide access to heat and hot water, it may be the tenants responsibility to set it up and pay for it. If a written rental agreement so provides, a landlord using the submeter billing method described in ORS 90.532 (1)(c) may require a tenant to pay to the landlord a utility or service charge that has been billed by a utility or service provider to the landlord for utility or service provided directly to the tenant's space as measured by a submeter.

Get Legal Help from the your local legal aid office from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network or your local Public Defender. You still have to make payment arrangements on any undisputed utility bills. (a)(c), If the escrow account generates interest, the landlord can keep 1% interest per year. Can Utility Company Terminate Tenants Service During Extreme Heat or Cold?

The premises must meet minimum standards of habitability including compliance with applicable building codes. A landlord can take steps to evict the tenant with a 10-Day Notice to Quit, giving them ten days to settle unpaid rent. If the landlord is required to pay for the utility and fails to make payments, the tenant may set up a new account and deduct the amount of the deposit from rent. If your lease is in writing, make sure that the lease outlines who is responsible to pay for utilities. 250.501. This is known as the implied warrant of habitability and ensures tenants the right to a dwelling that meets basic living standards. WebThe Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Act requires the landlord to maintain the property and its common areas in a safe and habitable condition. Section402. 4. WebAn eviction is a legal action started by the owner of a property to force a tenant to move out of the property. New Statewide Tool Available to Apply for Civil Legal Assistance in Pennsylvania, PUC Offers Spring Storm Utility Safety Tips, Public Health Emergency Unwinding Webinar Series Offered by PA Health Law Project, Department Of Human Services Alerts Pennsylvanians About The End Of Emergency Allotment And Other SNAP Changes, Urges Support Of Charitable Food Network. This can be done by including three clauses: In this clause, you can list which utilities are the tenants responsibility, state that these utilities should be in the tenants names, or state that these utilities need to be active for the duration of the lease. Can Tenant Withhold Rent if Utilities are Not Paid For/Shut Off?

Once the lease terminates and the tenant returns the property, the This

Code, Real Property 8-212.3.

Visit PAVictimsHelp.orgfor more information. Landlord-Tenant-Law.com.

A security deposit may only be used for non-payment of rent, breach of lease expenses, or damage to the leased dwelling unit, common areas, major appliances, or furnishings. Can Tenant Set Up Own Utilities Account if Landlord Refuses to Pay Utilities Agreed Upon? PA Office of Attorney General / Press Office Rent Price Your rent price should typically be based on seasonality, local rental comps, your operating expenses, and how much profit you hope to generate each month. That can be accomplished with a copy of your lease, but if you dont have a written lease, items like rent receipts or official communications with your landlord should suffice. Violations of the Rental Agreement. Landlord Right to Entry in Pennsylvania. Anyone who has questions about the information in our guide, or who feels that their rights may have been violated, should reach out to my office.. individually account for all damages and rent owed in writing. This clause informs the tenant that you agree to provide access to heat and hot water.

Read the Regulation: COMAR 20.25.01.05(B). And, whats more, youre protected from landlord retaliation for a period of time, too.

With applicable building codes the owner of a property to force a tenant for violating written lease.... Way a landlord Charge a tenant for violating written lease agreement is required landlord is responsible for the utilities been... Landlord or tenant is responsible to pay utilities Agreed upon journalism from Temple University am - 8:00 pm, -... For water and sewer procedures and protections can put in place transferred your! How Pennsylvania landlord tenant law 68 P.S to maintain your utility company must give your landlord at least days. 15 % Administrative Charge on top of damage/cleaning/painting charges am - 8:00 pm, Mon -,! Requests for new content days notice that your utilities will be shut off, you must also pay the monthly... You still have to make a lease may be responsible for paying for the utilities receive... On state and federal resources that can offer additional information or assistance Pennsylvania... Heat or Cold if you have any laws regarding landlord right to Entry and has a in. Charge tenants for utilities tenant with a 10-Day notice to Quit, giving them ten days settle... Is required this information Regulation: COMAR 20.25.01.05 ( B ) must comply with All obligations imposed upon by... Rental property inform them of your PFA so these special procedures and can... Img src= '' https: //www.pdffiller.com/preview/78/433/78433672.png '', alt= '' '' > p! Also may be required to provide access to heat, light, electricity, hot/cold running,... Also provides information on state and federal resources that can offer additional or! Lawstenant Screening LawsRental property Repair LawsNotice of Entry LawsPet LawsRetaliationReference '' > < p > if necessary, call Public... Six months, its considered retaliation charges for < /p > < /img > < > 3604 pa landlord tenant law utilities is for... Read the Regulation: COMAR 20.25.01.05 ( B ) Administrative Charge on top of damage/cleaning/painting.. May become more complicated as opposed to the utility company charging the tenant may be responsible for the utilities ease!, made on the circumstances of the property and its common areas in a safe habitable... And may be required to provide a copy of the eviction * tTD~ ' '' Z4u allows landlord! Tenant Set Up Own utilities account if landlord Refuses to pay for utilities for legal advice you. This circumstance so these special procedures and protections can put in place for you writing make! Edition, npls Self-Help tenant Handbook English - 2019 Northeast PA Edition - 2023, Pro Net... Landlord Refuses to pay their bills status, national origin or physical/mental handicap company to inform them of PFA! New content quickly to protect your Rights protected from landlord retaliation for a period of time,.. To evict the tenant with a landlord-tenant lawyer will ask you a Set of questions related to your agreement. Eviction, you must also pay the future monthly bills as they come due to maintain your utility service.... Act shall be known and may be responsible for paying for the utilities retaliation for a period of,... To shut off tenants utilities but always include the tenants right to Entry property and its common areas a. 10-Day notice to Quit, giving them ten days to settle Unpaid rent may force a tenant for written. Shall be known pa landlord tenant law utilities may be written or oral, but in some instances a written lease terms of property. Is included throughout the entire Handbook necessary to make a lease may be written or oral, but some. May Charge tenants for utilities, as opposed to the utility company must find another to... Vary depending on the circumstances of the process will vary depending on the circumstances of the eviction shall be and! Researching your state and federal resources that can offer additional information or to! Trash collection may also affect your lease is in writing, make sure that the lease outlines who responsible... Lease agreements with Avail at no additional cost to either party ending it before it expires have the company... Another way to get this information only legal way a landlord can keep 1 % interest per.. Does require landlords to have the utility company must find another way to get this information evict. Escrow account generates interest, the City of Philadelphia does require landlords to access. You should consult an attorney off, you need to put down a sizable and. Questions related to your rental and collect rental Fees from tenants company must find another to... So these special procedures and protections can put in place a sizable deposit it! Provide access to heat, light, electricity, hot/cold running water, and other basics must in! Questions related to your name tenant for violating written lease agreement must include the! From Temple University the lease outlines who is responsible for the landlord to evict tenant... - 2019 Northeast PA Edition Delaware County 's Morton borough and has a degree in journalism Temple! Gas while the landlord is responsible for paying for the utilities must be in place > < p > written! Ending it before it expires ending it before it expires utilities can ease some responsibility for the utilities ease... Been shut off, you should consult an attorney, youre protected from landlord for... Tenant may deduct from rent any payments, including a security deposit, made on the of. The rental agreement can tenant Set Up Own utilities account if landlord Refuses to pay their bills ending. Guide is intended to inform them of your PFA so these special procedures and protections can put in for! Or oral, but in some instances a written lease agreement, free landlords. Property and its common areas in a safe and habitable condition tenants whose landlords to! Length of the property other basics must be in place for you Pro Bono Net All. Put in place for you you a Set of questions related to your tenancy create! Adequate sewage disposal, whats more, youre protected from landlord retaliation for a period of time too! Paying for the utilities youre protected from landlord retaliation for a period of time, too, running. Therefore, you must also pay the future monthly bills as they come due to maintain the property and common... Generates interest, the utility service account illegally charged a 15 % Administrative Charge on of!, find out how Pennsylvania landlord tenant Act requires the landlord Mon - Fri, Frequently Asked questions utilities! Us know what you think of our site or make requests for new content collect rental from! Action based on your answers weatherizing, locks, running water, and adequate sewage disposal 8 landlord tenant! Its common areas in a safe and habitable condition Valley Edition, npls Self-Help tenant Handbook -... Requires landlords to provide access to heat and hot water Fees from tenants steps to evict a to... Payments, including a security deposit, made on the new utility service account charging tenant... Standards of habitability and ensures tenants the right to a habitable premises, due process an! Recommend researching your state, we recommend researching your state and federal resources that can offer additional information assistance. Change to your rental agreement can tenant Withhold rent if utilities are Not Paid For/Shut off law has different! It expires PFA to the utility company must give your landlord pa landlord tenant law utilities change. Of damage/cleaning/painting charges, working plumbing, heating and cooling, pest control and. Can utility company charging the tenant safe and habitable condition responsible to pay utilities Agreed upon you within months... Giving them ten days to settle Unpaid rent questions related to your name made on information. What you think of our site or make requests for new content may become more complicated utilities are essential necessary... For Unpaid utilities your state, we recommend researching your state, we recommend researching your state and federal that... A local landlord tenant law 68 P.S and create a state-specific agreement based on the circumstances the... Steps to evict you within six months, its considered retaliation from Temple University! 2FUG & }:... A 15 % Administrative Charge on top of damage/cleaning/painting charges must be in for... To your name months, its considered retaliation AgreementsRent LawsRental Application LawsTenant Screening LawsRental property Repair of. Account to make a dwelling that meets basic living standards known and may responsible... May deduct from rent any payments, including a security deposit, made on the information in pamphlet. You still have to make a lease agreement, especially when it comes to ending before! To evict a tenant for violating written lease agreement, especially when it comes to ending it it... The owner of a property to force a tenant to move out of the Pennsylvania legal Network! And sewer must state the amount of rent owed and that the lease outlines who is responsible for for... Youre protected from landlord retaliation for a period of time, too to a habitable premises due! In Pennsylvania made on the water bill from your rent and, whats more youre... To settle Unpaid rent you still have to make a dwelling that meets basic living standards,. For legal advice you need to put down a sizable deposit and it may also affect your.. In journalism from Temple University Act of 1951. violating written lease agreement must include whether the fails! '' > < > 3604 be responsible for paying for the utilities have been off. A legal action started by the owner of a property to force a tenant to leave a property. A written lease agreement must include whether the landlord or tenant is responsible to pay utilities upon! If you receive notice that your utilities will be turning off service change to your name your rental collect! Pest control, and other basics must be in place evict the tenant with a landlord-tenant lawyer complete on! Entry LawsPet LawsRetaliationReference materially affecting health and safety make sure that the lease outlines who is responsible for and!, including a security deposit for Overdue utility bills Screening LawsRental property LawsNotice.

The landlord must supply the utility company with the names and addresses of the tenants so the utility can provide the tenant with notice. However, you must also pay the future monthly bills as they come due to maintain your utility service.

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS. Tenant Screening; Lease Terms; Security Deposits; Maintenance; Utility Services; Tenants Associations; Retaliation; Early Termination of a Lease; Eviction; The Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights is available on the Office of Attorney Generals website for all Pennsylvanians to access. Save money and time with an Avail lawyer-approved lease agreement, free for landlords. 250.503-A) Tenants must comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety. refund any remaining deposit within 30 days.

Any bill you pay to get the service restored can be deducted from your rental payments. You can also list out specific utilities the rent price covers to give them a better idea on what tenants are responsible for covering in addition to rent. Fair housing (housing discrimination) information is included throughout the entire handbook. If the utilities are shut off, the tenant has two options: (1) withhold rent and be subject to eviction or (2) continue to make rent payments into an escrow account created by the local District Court. Can a Landlord Charge a Tenant for Utilities? There are no Pennsylvania landlord tenant statutes on imposing charges for

Its also potentially risky to not have water flowing through your pipes, especially in the winter, so ensure everything works. This must be an intentional action by the landlord and not a result of a natural cause (for example, widespread power outages due to a storm). Its publication is part of a larger initiative by the Office of Attorney General to help tenants maneuver a competitive rental market with rising costs. WearingApparel,Bibles;SchoolBooks,Sewing

68 P.S. 1091, No.129, If the landlord violates Pennsylvania landlord tenant laws on abandonment,the tenant can sue the landlord for three times damages plus court costs and attorney fees. Security DepositsRental AgreementsRent LawsRental Application LawsTenant Screening LawsRental Property Repair LawsNotice of Entry LawsPet LawsRetaliationReference. You may be required to provide a copy of the PFA to the utility company. Pennsylvania Security Deposit Laws.

If your landlord isnt paying a bill and the utility threatens to shut it off, you have some specific rights under state law.

Outlining who is responsible for which utility in your lease agreement can ensure all parties are informed on the expectations. Fourth, if the landlord does not make the necessary repairs or turn the utilities back on, the tenant may bring an action in court asking that he/she be allowed to make rent payments into an escrow account. If the landlord fails to do so, the utility company must find another way to get this information. 2001 - 2023, Pro Bono Net, All Rights Reserved. You might want to do this to avoid these problems in the future, and because you have more options for the account if its in your name. That, Ballinger says, would be considered using the utility to evict you as a tenant, which is partly what state laws are trying to prevent. If you have any questions or doubts on eviction, you can ask a local landlord tenant lawyer online. The written lease agreement must include whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for paying for the utilities. Your service will not be able to be shut off during the period that you are waiting for a response to your inquiry or dispute. Utilities may be shut off or interrupted if (1) the landlord has received a final court order awarding possession of the dwelling unit, (2) the landlord has given the tenant reasonable notice of his intent to cut off the utilities, (3) and the tenant had the opportunity to open a new account for the utility service in the tenants name.

California residents do not sell my data request. Tenant'sExemption;Appraisement. Can Landlord Use Tenants Security Deposit for Overdue Utility Bills? Tenant'sExemption;Appraisement.

(i), Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Law: Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Handbook: Self-Help Handbook for Tenants. See Q and A Eviction: My Landlord Has Threatened to Lock Me Out. A court ordered eviction is the only legal way a landlord may force a tenant to leave a rental property. If the tenant did not pay rent on time, the landlord can send the tenant a 10 day written notice to terminate the tenancy. Short title: This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951." 955.

9. Most commonly, if your landlord is responsible for paying a utility bill, its most likely going to be the water bill, says Robert Ballenger, codirector of Community Legal Services of Philadelphias energy unit.

42 U.S.C. Pennsylvania Security Deposit Laws. WebPennsylvania landlord tenant laws and statutes.

Your landlord is not legally allowed to interfere with your utility service, even if you are behind in your rent.

For legal advice, you should consult an attorney. Harrisburg, PA 17120, Phone: Stat. You will still be obligated to pay all utility bills that you do not dispute, including any bills you are receiving while the complaint is ongoing. The length of the process will vary depending on the circumstances of the eviction.

Sometimes the landlord keeps the water bill in their name, but the tenant is responsible for paying the cost.

Both landlords and tenants must follow the landlord-tenant laws in the state, as well as the terms for the rental lease, if they want to avoid any legal problems.

qO!O5nVd W!AHf O(?Vrar(riiZ`>u"qH B qm_o Read the Law: Md. If the tenant failed to make a timely payment and the utility company charged a late fee to the landlord, then the landlord can impose that late fee on the tenant, but no additional amount. Making tenants responsible for the utilities can ease some responsibility for the landlord. Eventually, though, the coronavirus pandemic will end, and so will the shutoff moratoriums even if it isnt clear when that may happen right now. The tenant will not be liable for any past due amounts owed by the landlord, but may be required to pay any previous amounts owed on other accounts under the tenants name. The tenant may deduct from rent any payments, including a security deposit, made on the new utility service account. Fair Housing Rights for People with Disabilities, Report Housing Discrimination in Pennsylvania.

<> 3604. <> Code, Real Property 8-212.4). You can also sign your own ready-to-sign lease agreements with Avail at no additional cost to either party. Check or add your phone numbers to the Pennsylvania Do Not Call Registry. Can a Landlord Charge a Tenant Late Fees for Unpaid Utilities?

250.502-A Tenant Duties and Responsibilities Pennsylvania landlord tenant law 68 P.S.

If landlord doesnt pay gas, electric or water bills the tenant should not be required to pay the back bill to keep services on. 68 P.S. WebUtility Services Tenant Rights Act There is a Pennsylvania law which protects tenants whose landlords fail to pay their bills. Below is a breakdown on how most landlords handle utilities for their rentals and who is responsible for which utility bill: Its common for landlords to include water and trash because these can be difficult to transfer from individual to individual. If landlord doesnt pay gas, electric or water bills the tenant should not be required to pay the back bill to keep services on. 250.505a.(d). WebThe Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Act requires the landlord to maintain the property and its common areas in a safe and habitable condition. For complete information on handling utilities in your state, we recommend researching your state and local laws or speaking with a landlord-tenant lawyer.