I am a first time renter and I have many questions! I found a good place that is in my budget but when I went to sign the lease the landlord brought up a lot of things that I didn't agree with. I know that it's his property but I just need clarification on the law. I am a single mother of 2 and my children's father lives around the corner from where I was planning on moving. Well the landlord asked me how often he comes around and I told him every weekend. Well to make a long story short he let me know that since he comes and sees the children every weekend and it's a very good chance that he will spend the night the landlord feels as though my boyfriend is living there and he wants me to pay an extra $100-$125 a month. I didn't feel that way! So I wanted to know if that is legal. Another thing that I need clarification on is the PA law on tenants paying the water bill. The landlord wanted me to pay $25 a month towards the water bill and I found that really unreasonable being as though I know a lot of people who own their own houses and have more people that live with them who pay less than what he was asking. If you can help me out I will greatly appreciate it because I am really confused!!

He can ask for whatever the market will bear. You are under no requirements to rent from him.

Hello davivi:

You need to understand the marketplace first, and the law second.

In the marketplace, good deals happen when both sides feel happy with an arrangement. BAD deals happen when one side feels cheated. Often times, bad deals happen because one side WANTS the other side to act right, so they'll sign an agreement and HOPE the other side (the landlord) will act right, because they fell in love with the place, or it's only around the corner from... blah, blah, blah,

However, for those who look for signs, the marketplace is full of them, and your prospective landlord is giving them to you LOUDY AND CLEARLY. He's unreasonably inquiring into your personal life (and upping the rent because of what he found out), and he's unfairly charging for water.

Once you move in, do you think he's going to get better?? Uhhh, NO he's not.

Ok, so what was the question about the law?? I forgot, and I don't know, and I don't care. Go find a place with a landlord who you like. Better yet, find one who offers a DEAL you like.

excon

As indicated there is no law on the matter. Its legal for the landlord to add a payment for Utilities to the rental. Its legal for the landlord to ask for more money if he feels more people would be living there.

If you don't like the terms, then you don't have to take the apartment.