What remedies can a tenant seek if a landlord fails to make repairs to the rental property?

In Pennsylvania, a tenant has several remedies available to them if the landlord fails to make repairs to the rental property. First, the tenant may exercise a repair and deduct remedy. This is where the tenant pays for and makes the repairs to the rental property and then deducts the costs from the rent they pay the landlord. Second, the tenant may file a lawsuit against the landlord for a breach of the lease terms. This is where the tenant can sue and possibly claim damages for the landlord’s failure to make repairs to the rental property. Third, the tenant may move out of the rental property and terminate the lease. This is called “constructive eviction” and it is where the tenant can move out in response to the landlord’s failure to make repairs. The tenant is not responsible for paying rent for the period of time the repairs weren’t made. Fourth, the tenant may file a complaint with the local government or consumer protection agency. This is where the tenant can submit a complaint to a local government or consumer protection agency to seek a remedy for the landlord’s failure to make repairs to the rental property. Finally, the tenant may also withhold rent. This is where the tenant may exercise their right to withhold rent from the landlord until the repairs to the rental property have been made. This should be done with caution and only if the repairs are considered necessary for health and safety reasons. In sum, a tenant in Pennsylvania has several remedies available to them if a landlord fails to make repairs to the rental property, including repair and deduct, filing a lawsuit, constructive eviction, filing a complaint, or withholding rent.

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What remedies can a tenant seek if a landlord fails to make repairs to the rental property?

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