A landlord has taken legal action against two former tenants, accusing them of breaching their lease agreement and causing significant financial damage. On September 6, 2024, Michael Komaniak filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, against Cinnamon Foster and Chaz Whittaker. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed to fulfill their obligations under a residential lease agreement for a property located at 220 Shenandoah Drive, Pittsburgh.
According to the complaint, the lease began on January 1, 2022, and was set to terminate on December 31, 2022. However, throughout their tenancy, Foster and Whittaker allegedly failed to pay rent on time and incurred multiple late fees as stipulated in the lease agreement. The plaintiff claims that the defendants also neglected to pay utility bills, resulting in delinquent balances with Duquesne Light Company and Oakmont Water Authority amounting to $796.34 and $910.26 respectively.
The plaintiff further accuses the defendants of failing to maintain the property adequately. This includes neglecting lawn maintenance responsibilities and not replacing furnace filters, which led to necessary repairs. Upon vacating the premises on September 6, 2024, it is alleged that Foster and Whittaker left the property in disarray. Komaniak had to hire services for cleaning out personal items left behind by the tenants and addressing other damages such as excessive grease in the kitchen.
Komaniak is seeking reimbursement for all expenses incurred due to what he describes as negligence by Foster and Whittaker. He demands damages totaling $19,709.78 plus attorneys’ fees, interest, fees, and court costs from the defendants. Despite repeated demands for payment from Komaniak's side before filing this lawsuit, Foster and Whittaker have reportedly refused to settle these amounts.
Representing Michael Komaniak is Lois M. Vitti from Vitti Law Group Inc., based in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. The Case ID is: CVPDD008S361F092.