All Forum Posts by: Usman T.

Thank you for your detailed response.  Yes, they are each on the same lease and are held both individually and collectively liable.  The 'harassed' roommate is supposedly in the process of getting a restraining order against one of the roommates (so they are going on record).  I just don't want to be responsible for not having done "something".  

Do you think writing up a "Notice to Cease" to all the tenants would be sufficient?  Basically telling them to behave.  The 'harassed' is leaving in about a month (when the lease ends) and the balance of the tenants are resigning. Good point, I still need to interview the other roommates to make sure I have the whole picture as to what is going on.    

Originally posted by @Marc Winter:

Roommates, what fun... until it's not. 

Questions:  are they each and everyone on the lease?  Does the lease hold them individually and severally responsible for the apartment?  Has the 'harassed' roommate contacted the police, directly confronted the other roomies, or just complained to you, the owner?

It would seem to me that your question about quiet enjoyment and if you should assist is a little bit of a stretch.  Normally that clause refers to the owner or managing agent not directly harassing the tenant(s), but I suppose a Philadelphia lawyer could reach for other interpretations.  (When we get complaints from apartment A that apartment B is noisy at 1 am, especially if there is yelling and possible abuse or criminal activity, we instruct them to contact the police and keep a record of the time, date and description of offensive activity.)

What we do in situations like this:  interview the other roommates (separately) to try to get a focus on the entire picture, and don't simply assume the 'victim' (or perpetrators) is being entirely truthful and accurate (nor should you dismiss their complaints)--you need facts.  Instruct the 'harassed' tenant to keep a contemporaneous and detailed list of perceived threats, harassing behaviors and obstruction of entry/exit. 

Further, in these types of cases, we formally (in writing) cite ALL the tenants of that apartment about harassing-, threatening- or criminal-activity as being a direct violation of the lease terms, making them subject to eviction. 

Independent of that citation,  I'd tell the subject tenant to take the written list of complaints to the police to be on record.  (Caveat--make sure that you are in accord with any local ordinances regarding number of roommates permissible and/or number of unrelated persons occupying the same living space.)

Lastly, if the subject roommate is being truthful and accurate in their description of events, I'd move to evict ALL of them.  Our leases contain a clause about criminal/harassing/threatening activity.  If the living situation has actually degraded into the type of behavior the subject roommate is describing, I'd loose them all and start over.  Try not to get sucked into the drama.  Know your laws, be fair but firm. And keep in mind, land lording and social work are two very different businesses. 

Hope this helps put some perspective on this--Good luck!

Yes, they all signed one lease together and knew each other beforehand.  Looks like they are now having a falling out.
I'm thinking to send a Notice to Cease to all the tenants, basically telling them to behave.  The person that is complaining is leaving at the end of the month and the others are renewing the lease.  I agree, the truth is somewhere in the middle.  I hate having to play parent with tenants :)
Originally posted by @John Underwood:

@Usman T. Are they all on one lease together? Did they know each other at the time they signed one lease? In this case I would say they need to work it out among their selves.

If they have individual leases (college student situation) then you may be responsible for getting them all in line. Going forward you may want to add the ability to fine unruly tenants when they are not playing nice.

To answer your question -Yes (in my opinion)

There are multiple stories and the truth in the middle, sounds like you may have to get involved and threaten to evict one or some but hopefully not have to actually follow through.

Hi @,

You are buying in one of the hottest areas in Philadelphia Neighborhoods. Did you notice construction and development everywhere around you and it is not slowing down. Best suggestion, would attend a East Kensington Neighborhood Association meeting held monthly and you will meet you neighbor, developer etc.

Regards,

Joe Scorese