Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Bensalem

Find the right Tenant attorney in Bensalem, PA

Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

In Bensalem, Pennsylvania, relationships between tenants and landlords can sometimes become strained.

Landlords and tenants have many rights and responsibilities. What follows is a partial list of the rights that landlords and tenants have, and the corresponding duties of the other party.

Landlord's Rights in Bensalem, PA

The most basic right that landlords have is the right to be paid the agreed-upon rent by their tenant. Obviously, renting apartments is how landlords acquire a living, so they are entitled to collect the rent that the tenant agreed to pay.

Landlords also have a right to be compensated for damage to the building that a tenant causes, either intentionally or negligently. Any damage caused by a tenant, besides reasonable wear and tear, can be billed, and the landlord can deduct from the tenant's security deposit to pay for repairs.

Tenant's Rights in Bensalem, PA

Most basically, tenants have a right to get what they're paying for: a dwelling fit for human habitation. To this end, landlords have to ensure that the units they rent meet Bensalem, Pennsylvania's minimum standards for habitability. These requirements are normallyy not difficult to meet. They include basic amenities such as running water, electricity, a working phone line, heating, and protection from the elements.

Additionally, tenants are entitled to common areas that are reasonable safe and sanitary. The common areas of an apartment building would include lobbies, laundry rooms, stairwells, hallways, and fire escapes (basically, any part of the building which all of the tenants can access). In Bensalem, Pennsylvania, these areas must be kept reasonably clean and safe.

In the United States, and most likely under the rules of Pennsylvania, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Furthermore, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

Finally, the laws of most states protect tenants from unfair eviction. In general, as long as a tenant is paying rent on time, and is not damaging the unit, they cannot be evicted before the term of the lease expires, unless there is a very good reason to do so (such as excessive noise caused by the tenant, or illegal activities in the apartment).

Can a Bensalem, Pennsylvania Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, chances are that you want to avoid conflict. But if you do end up in a seemingly irresolvable conflict with the other party, a Bensalem, Pennsylvania attorney can help you protect your rights.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Bensalem

Bensalem Township is one of the oldest municipalities in the state of Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1692, and is nearly as old as the state of Pennsylvania, which was founded in 1682. It currently has a population of 58,000 and is rich in American historical facts. Benjamin Franklin is reported to have made his historic electricity kite experiment in Bensalem. Currently Bensalem draws numerous residents and visitors with its many attractions. Some of these include the Philadelphia Park Racetrack, which houses horse races, and the Neshaminy Mall. Several companies such as Rita's Franchise Company and Charming Shoppes have their headquarters in the township. Television shows and movies are frequently filmed in the town. The township is reputed to be a "community of firsts", as it is the site of the many "first" buildings and institutions in Pennsylvania. Historians dispute over the origin of the town's name. Some claim it means "peaceful hill" or "mount of peace", while others state that it means "son of peace". Practicing lawyers in Bensalem can file their cases at the Bucks County District Court or the Court of Common Pleas. Bensalem, Pennsylvania lawyers typically handle a wide variety of civil and criminal legal claims.

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