HARRISBURG, Pa. — Attorney General Michelle Henry has secured a $50,000 settlement with A.R. Building Company, Inc., a Butler County-based landlord, in response to allegations of unlawful billing, leasing, and debt collection practices.
The settlement follows a November 2023 lawsuit filed by the Office of Attorney General against A.R. Building, which operates 20 apartment complexes across Pennsylvania. The lawsuit accused the landlord of arbitrarily inflating repair costs charged to tenants for alleged damages and of using leases with unfair and unenforceable terms. Additionally, A.R. Building was accused of engaging in unfair debt collection practices.
As part of the settlement, which has been approved by the Court, A.R. Building has agreed to modify its business practices and pay $35,000 in restitution to consumers, $10,000 in costs, and $5,000 in civil penalties.
“This settlement ensures that A.R. Building’s billing and leasing practices will comply with the law going forward,” Attorney General Henry said in a statement. “Many renters face challenges in searching for and securing safe and suitable housing due to their unequal bargaining power in the housing market. My office will continue to hold landlords accountable for violations of state consumer protection laws.”
Eligible consumers who believe they were overcharged for damages by A.R. Building within the last four years have 60 days to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General. Complaints can be filed online at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov, by calling 717-787-9707, or by emailing consumers@attorneygeneral.gov.
