Whenever you sign any document, it is best to read the fine print very carefully. If possible, it is best to seek expert assistance with legal issues for our protection. However, this landlord in Pennsylvania managed to scam their tenant on a technicality when the lease was signed. Now the tenant has to pay extra every month, or their landlord will harass them relentlessly.
The reeditor farofarofarofa shared several photos of conversations with their landlord and their lease agreement on r/Tenant. The problem is that the landlord harasses OP every month to pay an extra fee for water and for OP’s dog. According to the OP, the listing stated that the rent for the property was $1,089 per month, but they agreed with the landlord on the water and dog fees of $50 each. This would bring the total rent to $1,189, including all fees. However, the landlord harasses the OP every month to pay the water and dog fees, as they are not paying the full rent. Recently, the landlord left a note threatening OP with eviction if they do not pay.
According to the landlord, OP must pay the $1,189 plus the two fees. Meanwhile, OP explains to the landlord that the fees are already included. According to the contract, OP says that ‘it states the rent is $1,189. Additionally, another section states, “Tenant pays $50/month per pet/dog (…) & $50 per month water.“‘ Unfortunately, everything suggests that this Pennsylvania landlord has successfully scammed OP, as the lease agreement states that the base rent is $1,189. This is the information that appears in the OP’s photos, which implies that they must pay the $100 in fees separately, as the agreement was verbal.
‘The lease you signed is showing $1,189 base rent. The way the lease reads, your LL is right. I don’t think you can legally avoid it‘ explained Iceflowers_.
‘The putting rent at $1189 screwed you. Per your lease your rent is $1189 not including the $50 rent or $50 pet fee. Zillow says it’s $1089 but that doesn’t matter, what matters is your contract’ said Vegetable_Visual7148.
Unfortunately, due to this technicality, the OP must pay the extra fees if they do not want to evict them and their dog. Another alternative is to find another place to live and pay closer attention to the stipulations in the contract, so that they don’t fall for a similar scam again.
