Landlord Unauthorized Entry Issues

Summary

Dominick, a tenant in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, is experiencing issues with his landlord entering his apartment without notice and failing to maintain the property. He has documented these issues and communicated them to his landlord, but the problems persist. He has not yet taken further steps to address these issues. The advice given included the rights of tenants in Pennsylvania, such as the right to a habitable dwelling and the requirement for landlords to provide reasonable notice before entering a tenants apartment. He was also advised to consider filing a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office or a local housing authority.

Full Conversation

my landlord is coming in my apartment so many times with her Boss saying that we’re not cleaning it but we cleaning it. The apartment is outdated. The floor is not even worth it. We put a rug down because the safety issues. The maintenance man is not repairing things and I want to know exactly what to do.
Have you communicated your concerns to your landlord in writing? It's important to have a record of these issues.
yes, all she’s doing is threatening us and saying our lease is not gonna be able to renew next year
What type of lease do you have and when does it expire? In New York, landlords must provide written notice if they don't intend to renew a lease.
it expires in May
What actions have you taken so far regarding this issue?

In New York, tenants have the right to a habitable dwelling. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may have options such as withholding rent or "repair and deduct."
this is in PA
What is the condition of your apartment currently and have you documented these conditions? In Pennsylvania, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition.
I have it on the portal and I have pictures of the landlord plus her Boss complaining our floor. Hardwood floor is outdated. Every other apartment is updated. I have them trying to fix it but thing is they keep deleting it because of the budget they don’t wanna fix it they come in our apartment whenever they want because they have keys, so it’s OK for them to do it and privacy is not scared secure
Have you notified your landlord about the unauthorized entries in writing? In New York, landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's apartment unless it's an emergency.
Yes, she said, as a matter
What was her response when you notified her about the unauthorized entries? In New York, landlords must provide at least * hours notice before entering a tenant's apartment, except in emergencies.
this apartment is in Mansfield, PA
What is the frequency of these unauthorized entries and have you documented them?
She come in because people say like our place is bad and stinks but we clean It’s the best we can.
What steps have you taken to address the issue of unauthorized entries and the condition of your apartment with your landlord?
none yet because I don’t know exactly what is right or wrong or how I can stop it
What evidence do you have of the unauthorized entries and the condition of your apartment? In Pennsylvania, landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's apartment, except in emergencies.
I have emails and I’ve seen somebody come in and replace a door just came in and replace the door when people were sleeping
What was the reason given for replacing the door without prior notice? In Pennsylvania, landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's apartment, except in emergencies.
Because it’s a house/college place they think they can come whenever they want
What steps have you taken to address this issue with your landlord or the housing authority in your area?
I don’t know that’s why I’m asking you
What is the exact location of your apartment in Mansfield, PA? This will help me provide you with the contact details of the nearest court or legal aid service.
* North Main St. apartment a *, Mansfield PA *
What is the nature of your lease agreement? Is it month-to-month or for a fixed term?

In Pennsylvania, landlords must:
- Provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's apartment, except in emergencies.
- Maintain rental properties in a habitable condition.

Tioga County Courthouse, * Main St, Wellsboro, PA *, (*) *-*.
It’s harassment was what they’re doing
What specific actions have you considered harassment?
Arlee is one year they keep coming in and basically saying that we’re not cleaning or we’re just getting towed we’re not doing a good job but we’re cleaning the best we can thing is she came in today Jennifer the problem is the maintenance guy is not doing repairs at all and we basically put a carpet over something that he didn’t even do a good job at she’s complaining about that. There are some scuff marks on the wall. We’re trying to take care of. We’re basically doing the maintenance job when they came and do their own job.
Have you considered filing a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office or a local housing authority?

- Pennsylvania law requires landlords to maintain habitable premises.
- Unauthorized entries may violate privacy rights.
- Tioga County Courthouse, * Main St, Wellsboro, PA *, (*) *-*.