Is there a PA landlord tenant law stating that any changes to the lease upon renwal, must be in writing?
June 27th, 2011 | 
Author: My landlord had provided we with a lease renewal offer stating increase of rent along with a utility addendum. 15 days after the lease has renewed for the new lease term (starting 9/1), the landlord sends me a letter stating that at the start of my new lease term, I will be responsbible for additional utility charges. I asked the Landlord, where in the Lease Renewal offer does it state this information, and they are unable to answer my question, instead they advise I contact their attorney. Upon talking to the attorney, I have discovered that the complex has provided their attorney with an “updated/doctored” lease renewal offer revising their wording to include additional utilities. I have the initial form that does not make mention of the additional utilities. I am being bullied, and need information on my rights and laws as a tenant. thank you.
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
If it’s not in writing, in the document you signed and the landlord signed, it is not binding. In other words, if you signed a new lease that does not require you to pay utilities, and they are showing you a document that you didn’t signed in an attempt to get you to pay utilities, you are not legally obligated to pay anything outside of the lease.
However, if you have not yet signed a new lease, the landlord can change anything he wants to before you’ve both signed it. Once the lease is signed, it’s binding. Before that, it’s completely changeable.
Erin, if you believe that your landlord fraudulently doctored a lease agreement, you may have recourse through a local or state housing authority. Check the government listings in the phone book.