Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

Landlord put house up for sale before lease ended

I signed a 5 year lease. I have 4 years remaining. My landlord has suddenly put the house up for sale. I was not aware of this I found out when I came home and found a for sale sign on the property. Can he sell the property. The property is not listed as a rental for sale.


Asked on 12/14/05, 2:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: Landlord put house up for sale before lease ended

First, in Pennsylvania a lease greater than 3 years needs to be in writing.

Second, what does the lease say about the property being sold? If its silent he can sell the property but that's not the end of the story.

Third, what does the landlord say about it? He might be willing to sell it to you.

Fourth, leases are like a lien on the property and can be registered at the Registrar of Deeds.

That puts potential buyers on the alert the property is encumbered. Either decreasing the property's value or marketability. That said its not a free service, the registrar charges a fee for recording leases. Threatening to do so is a bargaining chip you have on the landlord.

So look at the lease and talk to your landlord. Not the time to go legal until talking doesn't work.

If you have any questions feel to contact me.

{John}

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Answered on 12/14/05, 4:10 pm


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