Comments Off on I want to move out. What steps should I take?
How do I tell the landlord that I’m moving at the end of the lease term?
Most leases require that you give the landlord advance notice in writing before moving out at the end of the lease term.
If your lease is written, review your lease to determine the amount of notice you must give. It is often 30 or 60 day notice.
If your lease is oral, the amount of notice is whatever you and your landlord have agreed upon. It is best to give at least 30 day notice with oral leases.
Send the landlord a letter giving notice that you will be moving. Be sure to sign and date and keep a copy for your records. If you cannot send a letter, send an email or text message.
Can I move before the end of the lease term?
If you want to move out before the lease expires, you can try to negotiate with your landlord to end the lease early.
Your landlord may agree to let you:
End the lease without penalty.
End the lease, if you pay an early lease termination fee.
End the lease, if you find someone to sublet the property.
If your landlord agrees to let you move out early, try to get that agreement in writing or confirm the agreement by email.
If you need to move out immediately because the property is not safe or because of domestic violence or because of a disability, you may have the legal right to move out early without penalty. However, you may want to request legal help.
How should I move out?
Clean the rental property and take photos of each room. Before you return the keys, ask your landlord to inspect the property with you.
If you cannot return the keys in person, it is best to return them by certified mail.
Be sure that all your personal possessions are moved out as well. Otherwise, you risk losing these items permanently, because landlords can dispose of property left behind if they give you notice and you do not respond within ten days.
I want to stay in my rental property. How do I renew my lease?
If you have a written lease, you should read it carefully to understand if your lease automatically renews after the initial lease term. If you do not have a copy of your lease, your landlord should provide you with a copy. If you have more than one lease, the one in effect is the most recent one that you and your landlord signed.
To remain in the property after your lease term is up, here are your main options:
You may sign a new lease with your landlord.
Your lease may automatically renew.
Will my lease automatically renew?
Most written leases will say if the lease automatically renews. The lease may automatically renew for the original term or a new length of time. For example, a one year lease may automatically renew on a month to month term.
If your lease does not say if lease automatically renews and your lease term has expired, the new lease term will become based on how often you pay rent. For example, if your one-year lease expired and you stay in the property and continue to pay rent every month, then your new lease term is month to month. The same terms as the original lease apply.
To stop a lease from automatically renewing, the landlord or the tenant can give notice stating that they do not want to renew the lease. The amount of notice required varies widely from lease to lease. For information on ending a lease before it renews, click here.
Is my landlord required to renew my lease?
Most private landlords are not required to renew the lease. If your landlord has decided not to renew your lease, you do not have a right to renew the lease and stay in the property. However, if you live in HUD, Low Income Housing Tax Credit or public housing, you do have a right to renew the lease.
For information about rent increases at lease renewal, click here.
Go to the Philadelphia Municipal Court docket to search for complaints filed by the owner of your property or complaints filed against the owner of your property.
Comments Off on How do I get a judgment off my credit?
Why should I pay a judgment?
Improve your tenant record.
Avoid having money taken from your wages or bank account.
Avoid termination from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
How do I pay a judgment?
Determine the exact amount owed. Sometimes you owe more than the judgment because the landlord paid writ fees to evict you—usually $130. Sometimes you owe less than the judgment because you made payments, the landlord deducted your security deposit or the landlord agreed to accept a reduced payment.
Get on a Payment Plan. If you cannot pay in full, contact the landlord to get on a written payment plan. The plan should state how much you owe, how much you will pay and how often.
Send money. Send money orders to the landlord at the address on the court papers. Keep your money order receipts.
What do I do after I pay a judgment?
Contact the landlord’s lawyer. Show proof that you paid the judgment and ask the lawyer to mark the judgment satisfied.
Contact the landlord. Ask the landlord to sign an Order to Mark Judgment Satisfied (download sample). Then, file it in Municipal Court at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor.
File a Petition to Satisfy if the landlord will not sign an Order to Mark Judgment Satisfied.
Go to Municipal Court at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor.
Ask to File a Petition to Satisfy. You will need proof of all payments you made after the date of the judgment.
Comments Off on I have a disability. Can I get a reasonable accommodation?
If your disability is impacting your housing, your landlord may be required to help. You just have to ask.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
Any change to polices, practices, procedures or services to allow accessibility and equal opportunity for a person with a disability. Examples include:
Installing ramps and hand railings to make a house wheelchair accessible.
Changing the date rent is due to coincide with the date you receive your disability check.
Allowing you to use a different entrance or park in a specific parking spot because of mobility issues.
Helping you transfer if your home is unsuitable due to your disability.
What is reasonable?
An accommodation request is reasonable if:
Your landlord does not have to spend an excessive amount of time or money.
Your landlord does not have to fundamentally change the services they provide.
The accommodation will actually address a need related to your disability.
Am I considered a person with a disability?
A person with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for one’s self, learning, speaking, etc.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
Ask for a Disability Verification letter from a doctor, medical professional, peer support group, non-medical service agency or other reliable person who is in a position to know about your disability. The letter should state your disability and how it impacts your housing. (Download sample)
Send a Reasonable Accommodation Request letter to your landlord stating your disability, how it affects your housing and what you are requesting as a reasonable accommodation. It is helpful to include a copy of the Disability Verification letter. (Download sample)
Discuss your request. The landlord or property manager MUST have a conversation with you about what accommodations they can offer.
