Introduction

Purpose

This handbook provides useful information about renting an apartment and some of the basics of landlord-tenant law. For those looking for rental housing, the handbook has practical suggestions about what to look for while inspecting the rental unit and what questions to ask the landlord. For those who are already renting, the handbook discusses common problems such as nonpayment of rent or complaints about repairs.

Disclaimer (a legal caution)

This handbook contains a general statement of the law and should be used only as a guide. It should not be considered legal advice because everyone’s case is different. One city’s codes may not be the same as another’s. Also, the laws about landlords and tenants change. This handbook may not be reprinted every time the law changes.

Need legal help?

A lawyer can help you understand the laws that may apply to your specific situation. If you can’t afford a lawyer, contact North Penn Legal Services (NPLS). If you are low income, you might qualify for free legal help. NPLS telephone numbers and office locations are printed on the Getting Help insert.

Acknowledgments

This handbook merges the content of two fine publications: The Right Stuff about Renting, (published by the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley with the support of the Lehigh Valley office of NPLS) and the Handbook for Tenants (published by NPLS’ Susquehanna Valley offices.)

Usage

For convenience and clarity, male pronouns (“he, his, him”) are used to refer to the landlord and,, although this material is of value to both tenants and landlords, the pronoun “you“ is sometimes used in place of “tenant”.

On-line version and video resources

This handbook is available in an electronic format at http://www.northpennlegal.org. Three NPLS videos on rental housing are available at program offices and many area libraries.

Renting an Apartment addresses many practical issues tenants and landlords should consider before entering into a lease agreement. Of particular interest to landlords is an extensive panel discussion on discriminatory advertising and rental practices. The format includes scenes and a panel discussion. (24 minutes)

The ABC’s of Landlord-Tenant Law addresses most of the problems arising during the tenancy, including written versus oral leases, eviction notices, illegal self-help evictions, security deposits, and warranty of habitability. The format includes several scenes and panel discussions. (55 minutes)

The District Justice Hearing is a 28 minute mock hearing in front of a real district justice. The subject matter is a landlord-tenant dispute, but the video should be useful to anyone with a civil claim. Following the hearing, there is a 10 minute panel discussion involving three district justices. (38 minutes)