Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a Fayette County Court of Common Pleas Order finds that a western Pennsylvania father-son landlord duo violated the law in connection with “rent-to-own” contracts and residential leases.
The Office of Attorney General encourages anyone who was in a rent-to-own or “lease with option to purchase” contract with Joseph F. John and Joseph F. John II to contact our office, so we can seek restitution on your behalf. Any previous or present tenants may contact our office by filing a complaint online at www.attorneygeneral.gov or call the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555.
The Order finds that the landlords charged illegally high interest rates in violation of the Loan Interest and Protection Law and failed to comply with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law in connection with their “rent to own” contracts with consumers in Fayette and Greene Counties.
“Every Pennsylvanian has the right to expect secure, comfortable housing and fair treatment from their landlords, and this case is about preserving those rights,” Attorney General Sunday said. “We are encouraging tenants of these landlords to reach out to our office, so we can explore potential avenues for relief.”
The Court’s Order also found that exorbitant late fees of $25 for the first day late and $5 per day thereafter charged to consumers under both “rent to own” and residential lease contracts are unconscionable and constitute fraudulent or deceptive conduct in violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
The Office of Attorney General filed a lawsuit, in September 2023, alleging that the father-son duo violated various laws in connection with residential leases and “rent-to-own” contracts in Fayette and Greene counties.
The recent ruling does not resolve or end the lawsuit, and leaves additional claims of the Commonwealth against the defendants for trial.
This case is being handled by Senior Deputy Attorney General Susan Apel.
Original source can be found here.