Domestic Abuse and Evictions?

[Chris Springer]

Let's imagine someone owns a rental in the state of Pennsylvania, which is inhabited by a couple (boyfriend and girlfriend) and the girl's child. Let's also imagine both the adults are on the lease. The male adult commits domestic abuse against the female, gets arrested, and she acquires a PFA and gives him back his belongings under the supervision of police. He would like to come back... Obviously asking her to leave... The lease states:

EARLY TERMINATION: The Tenant(s) may not be able to cancel this Agreement unless the Tenant is a victim of Domestic Violence, in such case, the Tenant may be able to cancel in accordance with any local, state, or federal laws.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAW: The Tenant(s) agrees that during the term of the Agreement, to promptly comply with any present and future laws, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, and requirements of the Federal, State, County, City, and Municipal government or any of their departments, bureaus, boards, commissions and officials thereof with respect to the premises, or the use or occupancy thereof, whether said compliance shall be ordered or directed to or against the Tenant(s), the Landlord, or both.

I assume it would be safe to provide  notice to vacate to the male (domestic abuse offender) being that he has commited this crime in violation of his lease terms. From there, draw up a new lease including only the female and her child.

Let me know what you think! :)

[Steve Babiak]

Tell him rather simply to just go away, otherwise the PFA will have to be enforced, and that will lead you to filing an eviction against him. Tell him the domestic abuse will show up on background checks, for strike one against him; the eviction would then also show up in a background check, and that would make two strikes against him rather than just the one. Then tell him the more strikes against him, the harder it could be for him to find another rental. You're just trying to make it easier on all involved.