Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

I had a tenant who failed to pay rent for a total of 5 months before we had her evicted. In addition, she caused damage to the unit that totaled $3000. We filed suit and the case is scheduled for a hearing at a DM in January. The former tenant called yesterday and wanted to settle out of court. If we make a deal, can we file it with the court to make sure the former tenant will follow thru with payments for the back rent, etc? In the past she has promised to make payments for the back rent but never did.


Asked on 12/30/16, 7:03 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Why do you think that filing an agreement with your tenant in court will make her more likely to pay than your experience with her non-payment in the past? There may be a reason why she wants to avoid the hearing, but you have no incentive to do so. Nothing will cause her to pay except maybe if you appear for the hearing and she pays you before the hearing begins. You may notify her that you intend to go through with the hearing and the only way she can avoid having the hearing is to appear in court before the hearing begins with a money order or bank check payable to you for the full amount that she owes you, including interest due on it.

Good luck.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

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Answered on 12/31/16, 2:45 pm


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