HARRISBURG, PA — A Fayette County Court of Common Pleas ruling has determined that a father-son landlord team operating in western Pennsylvania violated state law in connection with “rent-to-own” contracts and residential leases. The announcement was made by Attorney General Dave Sunday, whose office initiated legal action against the landlords in September 2023.
Joseph F. John and Joseph F. John II were found to have charged illegally high interest rates under the Loan Interest and Protection Law. Additionally, they failed to meet requirements set forth in the Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law in their dealings with tenants in Fayette and Greene Counties. The violations occurred as part of “rent-to-own” agreements, which allow tenants to lease properties with the option to purchase them later.
The court also determined that the late fees imposed in these agreements and residential lease contracts were “unconscionable.” Tenants were required to pay $25 for the first late day, followed by $5 for each additional day. These fees were deemed fraudulent or deceptive under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
“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 stated. He further encouraged affected tenants to contact his office to explore possible restitution. Past or present tenants can reach the Bureau of Consumer Protection via phone at 1-800-441-2555 or by filing a complaint online.
Although this recent ruling addresses key violations, it does not bring the case to a conclusion. Additional claims against the defendants remain unresolved and will proceed to trial.
The case, part of ongoing efforts to uphold tenants’ rights and safeguard consumers, is being led by Senior Deputy Attorney General Susan Apel.
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