Is it a requirement in PA that a landlord must repaint the apartment for new tenants?

Question

our apartment has some major holes and exposed brick, rusty heaters,dirty carpets and yellowish stains on the celling. We just moved in, the house was build in 60th(lead paint was used); the landlord refuses to repaint the place. Is it legal?

Answer 1

PA law does not require the landlord to paint between tenants. You should have negotiated this with the landlord prior to signing the lease and moving in.

Why did you move into such a crappy place?  Didn't you see the apartment prior to taking possession?

Answer 2

With rare exception, this data I wrote covers all 50 states:

read it at AssociatedContent.com

Landlord Tenancy Law for Kids Seeking Their First Apartment [or House or Bedroom in a House]

I need to read the contract.  YOU can't hold the landlord responsible

AFTER the fact for the lead paint.  YOU can, however, give him

30 days to repair/replace those things which are in need of repair

as the article stipulates.

The landlord cannot ask you to waive your rights as a tenant.

IF you get nothing done in 30 days, the article indicates the

simple but exact steps necessary to get the repairs done.

Answer 3

You  move into an apartment like that, and then complain about your poor judgement?

Answer 4

He does not have to repaint.   You liked it before you moved in, it is a little late to alter your standards.

I find it hard to believe it was not repainted, ever, in the last 30 years.

The basic rule with the paint is "Do not eat the paint".     As long as you do not eat it you will be fine.

Can you imagine how thick the paint would be if they had to repaint for every new tenant?

Answer 5

No. There are no laws requiring a landlord to repaint for each new tenant.

The house may have been built when lead paint was used - prior to 1978, but seriously, it has been undoubtedly painted several times since then.

If there are repairs needed, follow NJ landlord tenant laws regarding repairs.

http://www.lsnjlaw.org/english/placeiliv...

http://www.lsnjlaw.org/english/placeiliv...

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

I've managed apartments in CA for many years and I can tell, it is probably the same in all states. A manager or owner is under no obligation to paint or clean carpets or do anything other than fix something that makes the apartment uninhabitable such as: Only one toilet and it does not work or a broken window, these things must be fixed. If you signed a check in sheet or lease or monthly agreement to except the unit like this then you cannot hold the landlord responsible. If you were told they would be done and signed paperwork before inspection on the unit and it was not done, they cannot be held responsible. It is the residents responsibility to ask to inspect the unit before signing any paper work. You can try to ask for repairs in writting and mail a copy to landlord registered mail to prove you have mailed and asked, and if nothing is done you can file a claim in small claims court and try to get out of a lease and get all deposits returned and move.    

Answer 8

Go to your local library there is a book called tenant and lanlords rights it will tell yo that the lanlord must repair and paint all rooms before they rent or sell especially if led paint is used when you find this info do what i did and copy the paper and send or give to him but be prepared this may cause later problems but if you have kids then just call the health department they can tell you what to do to good luck i hate slum lords

Answer 9

I'm not sure what moonshine man over here is talking about, but the laws in NJ are as follows: You must complete a CO every time you have new tenants. The township conducts a thorough inspection. Two of those are that the carpets need to be cleaned and the walls have to be painted white within the last few months, unless you can get the tenant to go down to the township and say that they are willing to accept the property in "as is" condition.

Answer 10

Lead paint is well known as a health hazard and it is up to your landlord to provide a safe home for you to live. Threaten to take him to the magistrate where if needed you can have your lease broken legally, or the landlord will be ordered to correct the situation.