Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a significant legal development involving a father-son landlord duo in western Pennsylvania. A Fayette County Court of Common Pleas Order determined that Joseph F. John and Joseph F. John II violated laws related to "rent-to-own" contracts and residential leases.
The Office of Attorney General is urging individuals involved in rent-to-own or "lease with option to purchase" agreements with the Johns to contact them for potential restitution. Tenants, both past and present, can file complaints online at www.attorneygeneral.gov or call the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555.
The court found that the landlords imposed illegally high interest rates, contravening the Loan Interest and Protection Law, and failed to adhere to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law in their dealings with consumers in Fayette and Greene Counties.
Attorney General Sunday emphasized the importance of tenant rights: “Every Pennsylvanian has the right to expect secure, comfortable housing and fair treatment from their landlords, and this case is about preserving those rights.” He encouraged affected tenants to reach out for assistance.
Additionally, the court identified exorbitant late fees as unconscionable under both "rent-to-own" and residential lease contracts. These fees were deemed fraudulent or deceptive under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
The lawsuit against Joseph F. John and Joseph F. John II was initiated by the Office of Attorney General in September 2023, alleging multiple legal violations concerning residential leases and "rent-to-own" agreements in Fayette and Greene counties.
The recent ruling does not conclude the lawsuit; further claims by the Commonwealth remain pending for trial. Senior Deputy Attorney General Susan Apel is managing this case.