HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced a settlement with Rodney Hendricks, a State College landlord operating as Hendricks Investments, following allegations of illegal security deposit deductions and substandard living conditions provided to tenants, many of whom were Penn State students.
The lawsuit, filed by the Attorney General’s Office in Centre County Court, accused Hendricks of violating the Pennsylvania Landlord/Tenant Act and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Law. Tenants reported that Hendricks deducted security deposits for unauthorized damages and moved them into properties that were dirty and unsafe, despite advertising them as move-in ready.
“For many, student housing marks their first experience living independently, but this landlord turned it into a negative experience for many tenants,” said Attorney General Sunday. “All Pennsylvania property managers must abide by landlord/tenant laws, and this settlement ensures that Hendricks Investments will no longer provide subpar properties or make excessive deductions from security deposits.”
Under the settlement, Hendricks is required to comply with all landlord/tenant laws, including providing tenants with written, itemized lists for any security deposit deductions. The agreement prohibits deductions for normal wear and tear and mandates disclaimers on advertising photos that encourage potential renters to inspect properties in person before signing a lease. Tenants must now also receive at least 24 hours’ notice before Hendricks or his workers can enter a property, except in cases of emergencies or tenant requests.
Additionally, Hendricks has agreed to pay $30,000, which will be allocated to reimburse tenants who filed complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The settlement, filed as a Consent Petition by Deputy Attorney General Seth Miller and Senior Deputy Attorney General Paul D. Edger, serves as a warning to landlords about adhering to legal standards and safeguarding tenant rights.
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