HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced a lawsuit against A.R. Building Company, Inc., a Butler County-based landlord, for alleged violations of leasing and debt collection laws.
The company, which owns 20 apartment complexes across Pennsylvania, is accused of inflating security deposit charges by 50%, contrary to the Landlord and Tenant Act that limits these charges to the “actual amount of damages” to rental units.
The lawsuit details instances of inflated billing and illegal debt collection practices, including a case where a consumer was overcharged for carpet replacement.
The company allegedly demanded payment within 15 days through collection letters, a practice deemed unlawful.
The Attorney General’s office is seeking civil penalties, restitution for consumers affected by these inflated charges, and an injunction to prevent future illegal practices by A.R. Building.