HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced a significant settlement with Butler County-based landlord A.R. Building Company, Inc., resolving allegations of unlawful billing, leasing, and debt collection practices. The $50,000 settlement addresses claims from a 2023 lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s Office against the company, which oversees 20 apartment complexes across Pennsylvania.
The lawsuit accused A.R. Building of inflating repair costs unfairly charged to tenants for purported apartment damages. It also highlighted the use of leases with terms deemed unfair and unenforceable, alongside allegations of engaging in improper debt collection practices. The settlement mandates A.R. Building to amend its practices to align with legal standards.
Under the terms of the agreement, A.R. Building will provide $35,000 in restitution to affected consumers, pay $10,000 in costs, and an additional $5,000 in civil penalties. Attorney General Henry emphasized the importance of safeguarding renters, who often encounter difficulties in securing appropriate housing due to unequal bargaining power. “This settlement ensures compliance with the law, and my office remains committed to holding landlords accountable for consumer protection violations,” she stated.
Consumers who believe they were overcharged for damages in the past four years have 60 days to submit a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office. They can file complaints online, by phone (717-787-9707), or via email. The settlement, formalized as a Consent Petition, was filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas by Senior Deputy Attorney General Amy L. Schulman.
This resolution underscores the commitment of the Attorney General’s Office to uphold the rights of Pennsylvania consumers, ensuring fair treatment in housing markets across the state.
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