Get the Agreement in Writing

The following was provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:

Q. My family recently moved into an apartment complex in the Bristol area.  Soon after moving in my daughter started having trouble with some girls in the complex.  She was now threatened and a fake gun was held to her head and I’m frightened for her life.  I contacted the management and stated that we could move even though we still have 8 months left on our lease.  Is there anything else I should do?  N.B., Levittown

A. Threats are always scary, but the gun, whether it was fake or not, is serious so I hope that you contacted your local police to report the crime.  As for the management allowing you out of your lease early, make sure you get that in writing stating that they are allowing you out of your lease without penalty. 

It’s great that they are permitting it, but if you don’t have it in writing it could come up down the road where they could take you to court for the remaining month, and without written permission you won’t have the proof that it was authorized and could possibly be obligated for the remaining eight months of rent.

It’s important that this is done it writing and that you keep a copy for your records. It’s the only proof you will have. Consumers who would like a copy of the Landlord/Tenant Act can find it on our website by going to www.buckscounty.org and click on Consumer Protection and then to our consumers tips or call us at 1-800-942-2669.