Domestic Abuse (Landlord Obligation - PA/Philadelphia)

[Kenneth C.]

Hello BP,

I'm looking for some guidance re: a domestic abuse issue with a tenant that I have. I've heard from the other tenants of the building (4 unit apartment) that there have been some issues between my tenant and her boyfriend over past several months. Allegedly my tenants boyfriend made copies of the key to the main entrance to the building and also to her apartment without her knowledge. She reached out to me this past weekend and asked if I could change the key to her apartment. When I asked if she felt that she was in danger, she stated that she wasn't, but she did say that she was afraid. Aside from giving her general advice and strongly suggesting that she get a protection from abuse order, I stated that I would change the locks but that I would need to be reimbursed for the cost incurred (e.g.locks, extra keys for other tenant, etc.). She gladly obliged.

My question(s) to the BP community is this: What obligation do we as landlords have to ensure our tenants are in a safe environment? Do domestic issues fall outside of the realm of our legal obligations? Lastly, have you had to deal with a domestic issue with a tenant that resides in a multi-family property? If so, could you expound on how you dealt with it in general and in relation to the other tenants of the buiding?

Thanks in advance.

KC

[Carl Millsap]

@Kenneth C. As a landlord your obligations are probably spelled out in the State, County, City laws and your lease. 

As it pertains to the other tenants you met your obligation when you changed the key to the main entrance.

I'd venture to say your question about the specific tenant is more of a moral question. 

In 17 years in this business I've had 2 cases of alleged domestic abuse, here's how I handled it. 

1. In one case both parties were on the lease, so they had to agree in writing that one person would be removed from the lease, and the person staying would be financially responsible for rent, cost of changing locks etc. - I set it up so I met with each person one on one as not to put anyone in danger. 

2. The 2nd case was a female tenant who requested permission to change her locks because she was afraid of her boyfriend. He wasn't on the lease but she gave him a key at some point. We gave her permission to change the locks, and provide us a key. 

That's it. Simple. Here's why:

1. You can only help those who want to help themselves. You suggested she file a protective order etc. Now it's on her to act on that advice. 

2. Legally what else can you do? You're the landlord. Try not to make your tenant's problems yours. Help where you can, but remember #1.....you can only help those who want to help themselves.