Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced a settlement with Rodney Hendricks, a landlord operating as Hendricks Investments in the State College area. The agreement addresses allegations of unlawful security deposit deductions and inadequate living conditions for tenants, many of whom are students at Penn State University.
The settlement follows a lawsuit by the Office of Attorney General against Hendricks Investments and its owner, Rodney Hendricks. The legal action was prompted by tenant complaints about unjustified security deposit deductions and properties advertised as move-in ready but found to be dirty and unsafe upon occupancy.
"For many, student housing marks their first experience living independently, but this landlord turned it into a negative experience for many tenants," stated Attorney General Sunday. "All Pennsylvania property managers must abide by landlord/tenant laws, and this settlement ensures that Hendricks Investments will no longer provide subpar properties or make excessive deductions from security deposits."
The lawsuit was filed in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas, citing violations of both the Pennsylvania Landlord/Tenant Act and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Law.
As part of the settlement, Hendricks has committed to adhering to all stipulations of these laws. This includes providing tenants with an itemized list of actual damages when deducting from security deposits, which must be given upon tenant move-out. Deductions for normal wear and tear are prohibited, and all promotional photos must include disclaimers requiring personal inspection before signing a lease.
Furthermore, tenants will receive at least 24-hour notice before any entry by Hendricks or his workers unless it is in response to an emergency or tenant request.
Hendricks also agreed to pay $30,000 to reimburse eligible tenants who had previously lodged complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection within the Office of Attorney General.
The settlement was formalized through a Consent Petition filed in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas by Deputy Attorney General Seth Miller and Senior Deputy Attorney General Paul D. Edger.