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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-3676COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JUDICIAL DISTRICT NOTICE OF APPEAL DISTRICT JUSTICE JUDGMENT COMMON PLEAS No. DJ NOTICE OFAPPEAL Notice is given that the appellant has filed in the above Court of Common Pleas an appeal from the judgment rendered by the District Justice on the date and in the case mentioned below. NAME OF APPELLANT ADDRESS OF APPELLANT P,O, 35'1 DATE OF JUDGMENT [ IN THE CASE OF (PLAINTIFF) CV YEAR LT YEAR CITY STATE ZIP CODE (DEFENDANT) SIGNATURE OF APPELLANT OR HIS ATTORNEY OR AGENT This block will be signed ONLY when this notation is required under PA. R.C.P.J.P. No. 1008B. This notice of Appeal, when received by the District Justice, will operate as A SUPERSEDEAS to the Judgment for possession in this case. If appellant was Claimant (see PA R.C.P.J.P. No. 1001(6)) in action before district Justice, he MUST FILE A COMPLAINT within twenty (20) days after filing his NOTICE of APPEAL. PRAECIPE TO ENTER RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT AND RULE TO FILE (This section of form to be used ONLY when appellant was DEFENDANT (see PA R.C.P.J.P. No. 1001(7) in action before District Justice. IF NOT USED, detach from copy of notice of appeal to be served upon appellee. PRAEClPE: To Prothonotary Enter rule upon '-~ ~''j c~c0r~ (Common Pleas No. 0.~ ~ .J~, '~'~ RULE: To Sk~JCO~l ~:~r'l Name of appeflee(s) Name of appellee(s) appellee(s), to file a complaint in this appeal ) within twenty (20) days after service of rule or suffer enlry of judgment of non pros. Signature of appellant or hi~/~ttorney or agent , appellee(s) (2) You are notified that a rule is hereby entered upon you to file a complaint in this appeal within twenty(20) days after the date of service of this rule upon you by personal service or by certified or registered mail. If you do not file a complaint within this time, a JUDGMENT OF NON PROS WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU UPON PRAECIPE. (3) The date of service of this rule if service was by mail is the date of the mailing. Date: ~/J7 .ilo ,~ear~20¢'~-t~ Signature of Prothonotary (~r DePuty White - Prothonotary Copy Green - Court File Copy Yellow - Appelant's Copy Pink Appellee Copy Gold - D.J. Copy Proth. - 76 PROOF OF SERVICE OF NOTICE OF APPEAL AND RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT (This proof of service MUST BE FILED WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS AFTER firing the notice of appeal. Check applicable boxes) COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF ; ss AFFIDAVIT: I hereby swear or affirm that I served [] a copy of the Notice of Appeal, Common Pleas No. , upon the District Justice designated therein on (date of service) , year . [] by personal service [] by (certifieg) (registered) mail, sender's receipt attached hereto, and upon the appellee, (name , on , year , [] by personal service [] by (certified) (registered) mail, sender's receipt attached hereto. ]and further that I served the Rule to File a Complaint accompanying the above Notice of Appeal upon the appellee(s) to whom the Rule was addressed on , year , [] by personal s~rvice [] by (certified) (registered) mail, sender's receipt attached hereto, SWORN THIS AFFIRMED) AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME DAY OF , YEAR My commission expires on , year Signature of Affiant A~ORN~Y FOR DEFENDANT COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF: CUMBERLAND PLAINT'-F/JUDGM CJ~g-c:ASEIF ENrObBTOR Mag. Dist. NO.: NAME and ADDRESS 09-2-01 ~CURL, SHARON DJName: Hon, 1000-A ~0 DRI~ PA~ P. ~ ~C~ICSB~G, PA ~7055~ Address: i ~OUSE SQU~E L *( ~ISLE, PA . VS. DEFENDANT/JUDGMENT C~ITOR: Te~e,ho~e: (717) 240--6564 17013--0000 UAUSTIN, ROBEKT ~ ~ P.O. BOX 351 : ~ISLE, PA 17013 L DANIEL D. WORLEY 28 S PITT ST CARLISLE, PA 17013 NOTICE OF JUDGMENT/TRANSCRIPT Docket No.: CV'-0000137-03 Date Filed: 5/22/03 CROSS COMPLA NT 001 TI~S ~S TO NOTIFY YOU THAT: ~ Judgment was entered for: (Name) C~T,, ~ Judgment was enteree agmns[: (Name) in the amount of $ 0'71 . 00 on: (Date of Judgment) '7/01/o~ ] Defendants are jointly and severally liable. ] Damages will be assessed on: ---1 This case dismissed without Prejudice. Amount of Judgment Subject to [~ Attachment/Act 5 of 1996 $ Date & Time) Amount of Judgment $ 5,000.00 Judgment Costs $ 71.00 Interest on Judgment $ .00 Attorney Fees $ .00 Total $ 5,0'71.00 Post Judgment Credits $ Post Judgment Costs $ Certified Judgment Total $ :AN~AF~TY ~` A~ ~-~F-R~GMT ~Q~PPF~AL~W~TM~N:3~ DA Y~s iAFTEF~ TH~E EN7~RY` ~F JUDGMENT BY F~L~NG A N~T~cE OF APPEAL WITH THE PROTHONOTARY CI~ERK OF THE COUIRT OF COMMON PLEAS, CIVIL DIVISION. YOU MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE OF JUDGMENT/TRANSCRIPT FORM WITH YOUR NOTICE OF APPEAL. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE FOR DISTRICT JUSTICES, IF THE JUDGMENT HOLDER ELECTS TO ENTER THE JUDGMENT IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, ALL FURTHER PROCESS MUST COME FROM THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS AND NO FURTHER PROCESS MAY SE ISSUED BY THE DISTRICT JUSTICE. UNLESS THE JUDGMENT IS ENTERED IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE JUDGMENT MAY FILE A REQUEST FOR ENTRY OF SATISFACTION WITH THE DISTRICT JUSTICE IF THE JUDGMENT DEBTOR PAYS IN FULL, SETTLES, OR OTHERWISE COMPLIES WITH THE JUDGMENT. 7-1-03 Date ( ...~'~ ~.~...~ .... ~,~ ~ ~- ~* ~. ert,f that th,s ,s a true 7-1-03 D %. ,, ,.{~¢OJ~nct.~t~e ...... My commission exp~ first Monday of January, 2 006 . AOPC 315-03 DATE PRI~ED = 7/03/03 8=~1:27 Postage Certified Fee Return Reciept Fee (Endorsement Sequired) C;3 Restricted Delivery Fee (Endorsement Required) C3 $1,75 $ $,(.. 42 0013 14 Postmark 1 PROOF OF SERVICE OF NOTICE OF APPEAL AND RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT (This proof of service ~iJ:' BE FILED WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS AFTER filing the notice of appeal. Check applicable boxes) COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSY~ VANIA COUNTY OF /__.. f~ P~JF : AFFIDAVIT: I hereby swear or affirm that I served a copy of the Notice of A~peal, Common Pleas No. 9}- ~7~' (date of service) ZJ,5~ ~E 1_, ,years~OO~ j}, ~bype~{s~y~}~mail, s~der's r~eipt attach~ hereto and upon the a~pellee; (name; ~ ~orO~ ~ 0~ . , t,-, ' """ ' , on ~ ~v%~_ . year ~.00~ , ~ by ~rsona se~ ce ~by (ce~,f,~) (r~lster~) mail, se~er s r~ pt aRach~ h~o. ~and fudher that I serwu the Rule to File a Compl~nt accompanying the above Notice of A~ u~ the appall(s) to , whom the Rule was adcress~ on__~ ~ __ , year ~00~ , ~ by pemonal s~Wice ~ by (ce~ified~ (~d) mail, sender's receipt a[lachod heleto. SWORN (AFFIRMED) AND SUltSCRIBED BEFORE ME · THIS DAYOF /~ "(L~ YEAR Notari~i Se~ Robert J. Muldedg Notary Publio Carlisle Bore Cu~bedand Coualy My camml.lon ~.X.Prl. r.e.! NOV, 13, 2004 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JUDICIAL DISTRICT NOTICE OF APPEAL FROM /. ~.i~. DISTRICT JUSTICE JUDGMENT COMMON PLEAS No. (?_~-~,[,.?'~, ~,.( NOTICE OF APPEAL Notice is given that the appellant has filed in the above Court of Common Pleas an appeal from the judgment rendered by the District Justice on the date and in the case mentioned below. NAME OF APPELLANT CLAIMNO. CV YEAR LT YEAR CITY MAG. DIST. NO. OR NAME OF D.J. STATE (DEFENDANT) IT. n SIGNATURE OF APPELLANT OR HIS ATTORNEy OR AGENT This block will be signed ONLY when this notation is required under PA. R.C.P.J.P. No. 1008B, This notice of Appeal, when received by the District Justice, will operate as A SUPERSEDEAS to the Judgment for possession in this case. ZIP CODE If appellant was Claimant (see PA R.C.P.J.P. No. 1001(6)) in action before dist, r, ict Justice, he MUST FILE A COMPLAINT within twenty (20) days after filing his NOTICE of APPEAL. ' -- ~ PRAECIPE'TO ENTER RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT AND RULE TO FILE (This section of form to be used ONLY when appellant was DEFENDANT (see PA R.C,P.J,P. No. 1001(7) in action before District Justice. iF NOT USED, detach from copy of notice of appeal to be served upon appellee. PRAECIPE: To Prothonotary Enter rule upon (Common Pleas No. 03 RULE: Name of appellee(s) ~_~c,r I ___. appellee(s), to file a complaint in this appeal Name of appellee(s) ) within twenty (20) days after service of rule or suffer enJry of judgment of non pros. Signature of appellant or his/~ttorne~or agent , appellee(s) , (1) (2) You are notified that a rule is hereby entered upon you to file a complaint in this appeal within twenty(20) days after the date of service of this rule upon you by personal service or by certified or registered mail. If you do not file a complaint within this time, a JUDGMENT OF NON PROS WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU UPON PRAECIPE. Date: (3) The date of service of this rule if service was by mail is the date of the mailing. (~, ~.~ ~'2'I) , Year / - / ! / ,~gr~k~rre'o¢-prothon~t~ry o;~ Deputy White - Prothonotary Copy Green - Court File Copy Yellow - Appelant's Copy Pink - Appellee Copy Gold - D.J. Copy Proth. - 76 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHARON CURL VS. ROBERT AUSTIN Plaintiff Defendant NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN CONTRACT NOTICE YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served by entering a written appearance, personally or by attorney, and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 32 S. BEDFORD STREET CARLISLE, PA 17013-3302 (717) 249-3166 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHARON CURL VS. ROBERT AUSTIN Plaintiff Defendant NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM CIVIl_, ACTION - LAW IN CONTRACT COMPLAINT AND NOW, this day of August, 2003, comes the Plaintiff Sharon Curl, by her attorney, Diane G. Radcliff, Esquire, and files this Complaint against the above named Defendant, whereof the following is a statement: 1. The Plaintiff is Sharon Curl, and adult individual residing at 1000A. Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA 17055, Otto Drive, Defendant is Robert Austin, an adult individual residing; at P.O. Box 351, Carlisle, PA 17013. At all time herein relevant the Plaintiff, Sharon Curl, was the owner of the real estate known and numbered as 11 South Pitt Street, Carlisle Cumberland County, PA 17013. On or about September 5, 1998, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into a Lease Agreement wherein Defendant agreed to lease from Plaintiff the basement apartment of 11 South Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. A true and correct copy of the Lease is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. 5. On February 4, 1998, the aforesaid Lease converted to a month to month lease. 6. The following are the pertinent provisions of the Lease: The rent in the original Lease was $320.00. Commencing with the month of May 2001 the rent payable under the Lease increased to the rent of $350.00 per month. If the rent was not paid within 2 days of its due date (being by the 7th of the month) there was an one time late charge of $40.00 due and payable by Tenant. If the rent was not paid within 2 days of its due date (being by the 7~ of the month) there was an additional $4.50 per day late fee charge until the rent was paid due and payable by Tenant. Defendant was required to give written notice of termination of the Lease before the end of the month, which notice was to be effective as of the end of the next month. Failure to give such notice or not completing the Lease Term resulted in forfeiture of the security deposit. Defendant is to pay for any damages, carpet cleaning, general cleaning and all other obligations under the Lease not covered by the :security deposit; Tenant was to restore the Leased Premises to the same good order and condition which it was at the time the Lease commenced., and if Tenant failed to do so, Landlord could restore the premises and collect: the same from Tenant as additional rent. Landlord had the right to dispose of all o f Tenant's property remaining on the premises after Tenant vacated the Leased Preraises and to charge Tenant for such removal without any liability to account to Tenant for the value received for the items disposed. Landlord may assess Tenant for all reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred by Landlord in enforcing Landlord's rights under the Lease, including but not limited to all attorneys fees and costs incurred by Landlord is securing Tenant's removal from the Leased Premises and in securing payment of all sums due Landlord under the Lease, in which event tenant specifically agreed to pay such attorneys fees and costs. - 2 - 7. Defendant vacated the Leased Premises on or about April 12, 2003, without the prior advance notice to Plaintiff required by the terms of the Lease. 8. Defendant failed to pay the rent for the months of April and May, 2003. 9. Defendant failed to pay the late fees due and owing under the Lease as set forth the in document entitled "Calculation of Late Fees, a true antd correct copy of which is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "B" and made a part hereof. 10. Defendant damaged the Leased Premises as set forth in the Invoices and Receipts attached hereto, collectively marked Exhibit "C" and made a part hereof. 11. The Defendant breached the terms of the Lease in that: A. He failed to pay rent for the months of April and May of 2003; B. He failed to pay the late charges set forth the in document entitled "Calculation of Late Fees", a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "B" and made a part hereof. C. He vacated the Leased Premises without prior advance notice to Plaintiff; D. He failed to properly clean the Leased Premises upon vacating as required by the Lease; E. He failed to restore the Leased Premises to ~Ihe same condition as it was at the commencement of the Lease and as repaired tl~tereafter F. He damaged the Leased Premises as set forth in the Invoices and Receipts attached hereto, collectively marked Exhibit "C" and made a part hereof and failed to pay for such damages. 12. As the result of Defendant's breach of the Lease, Defendant owes Plaintiff the amount of at least $7,804.77 and costs of suit as set forth on the document marked "Calculation to Total Amount Claimed by Landlord" a tree and correct copy of which is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "D" and made a part hereof. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enter judgement in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant in the amount of $7,804.77 together with costs of suit. Respectfully submitted, ~ G~P~ADCLIFF, ESQUIRE 3448 Trim.die Road Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 Attorney for' Plaintiff VERIFICATION I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct. understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworu falsification to authorities. SHARON CURL ( ~.. Date: ,5~.'-/?" CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, DIANE G. RADCLIFF, ESQUIRE, hereby certify t]hat on ~ I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Complaint upon Defendant's Attorney, by mailing same by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Daniel D. Worley, Esquire Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Respectfully submitted, p~--E.~8 ~adG: RA'~I~CLIFF, ESQUIRE~. ( Camp~"~till, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-(}100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 EXHIBIT "A" LEASE · RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT Thi~ L,Da~ ~gr~m~nt m~d~ 'hhi~ ~th day of ~.o~t~mhor, 1~ by ~n~ between Sharon Curl, as agenu for Landlord (hereafter "Landlord") and ~obe~t Austin and Robin B~rd (hereafter '~Tenant"). Parties agree as foliow~: AGREE~NT TO LEASE. Landlord agrees to rent to Tenant and Tenant agrees to rent from Landlord, 'the property known as Apt. 6, ]1 S. Pitt Street. Carlisle, PA 17013 c. onsis~ing of a one bedroom apartment. The lease term will begin on September ~, 1998 and ends on February ~, 1999. RENT. Tenant shall pay to Landlord weekly rental payments of $85.00 per week due on every Friday of each week or Tenant may make monthly rent payments of $320.00 per month due in advance on the 4th day of each month, for a total lease payment of 82,040.00. (Post-dated checks will not be accepted). First week's rent of $85.00 is due on 9/4/98 and Security deposit of $320.00 is due on 9/4/98. If Tenant does not move into apartment by 9/8/98 and/or does no~ honor lease 'then lease is terminated without further notice and first week's rent and security deposit sh;~ii be forfeited as damages and for costs 'to re-rent premises. Rent shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord at: Sharon Curl, 1000A Otte Drive, MechanicsburG, PA 1705S Phone No. 691-8634. ~TS. If Tenant/does not pay any monthly rental payment within two (2) days following the date it is due then additional charge of $40 shall be charged to Tenant. If rent remains unpaid after two days, %hen a fee of $4.50 per day will be charged beginning on the 3rd day. Payment of rent shall be deemed to occur upon Landlord's reoeipt and not on date rent is lt~ailed. Tenant must mail rent in sufficient time to be received by due date. Any late payments will be made part of Tenant's rent payment history. TURNED C ECS. Tenant shall be charged $25.00 for each check that is returned to Landlord for lack of sufficient funds or any other reason. Check must be made good within 48 hours after Tenant is noti[ied. Landlord wil} not redeposit retur~led checks. Returned checks will be~considered late rent and no d",.scount for that month can be taken. Landlord has the right to require tenant to pay future rent by certified check, money order oz' bank cashier's check if more than one rent check bounces during the lease term. RENE~IAL TER~/S. After after above term expires, this Lease Agreement renews automatically for 30 day intervals until 30 days written notice is 1 Tenant's inilJals X//~ /~ EXHIBIT I given by either party or a new lease is isssuec[. No lease will go month-to-month af, ter September 1. Failure to give a 30. day written notice or not completing the lease term will result iI~. forfeiture of the security deposit. The 30 day written termination notice must be given on or before the end of the 30 day remtal period and will be effective to terminate this agreement as of the end of the following 30 day rental period. Tenant may renew this Agreement for one year and at the prevailing market rent for the property. The rental payments shall not be reduced or prorated if Tenant vaca~es (leaves) the premises prior to the end of the lease term, or if Tenant leaves in the middle of any lease month occurring after termination of this lease~ unless Landlord agrees to such reduction. HOLDOVER. If Tenant does not vacate the leased property at the end of the lease, or earlier termination thereof, Tenant shall be required to pay Landlord for occupancy of the premises, the amount of $420.00 per month until Tenant vacates and surrenders the property to Landlord. This occupancy charge and the Landlord's acceptance of payment thereof, shall not constitute a renewal of this lease, but rather is the eharge to be paid by Tenant to Landlord as the result of Tenant'e wrongful holdover. S TY DEPOSIT. Tenant shall pay Landlord a security deposit of $320.00. This security deposit is made ~o cover cleaning of premises upon termination of this lease at an agreed upon price of $125 (refundable at discretion of Landlord) and any damages to the premises occurring during Tenant's occupancy. It is not to be used by Tenant as payment of any rent. In the event this lease term is longer than 'two (2) years or in the event the Tenant rightfully occupies 'the leased premises in excess of two (2) years, at the end of the second lease year Landlord shall be required to pay Tenant interest on the security deposit at the rate of four (4%) percent per year cou~nencing on the first day of ~he third year Tenant occupies the premises with Landlord's consent. A two I2%) percent per year administration fee, which adminstration fee shall be paid to and retained by landlord. This results in Tenant receiving interest on the security deposit of ~w'o (2%) percent per year. Tenant hereby waives any right to a greater interest rate and all rights to require Landlord to deposit funds into an interest bearing account. RE~UP~' OF S~CURITY DEPOSIT. Within thirty (30) days of Tenant vacating the property and surrendering all keys to Landlord and Tenant provLding Landlord with written no~ice of Tenant's new address, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a written list of all damages (if any) to the property and the estimated costs of repair and shall refund to Tenant the di£ference between the security deposit minus the cleaning fee of $125 (if necessary) minus the estimate repair costs for damages; however, Landlord shall not be required to refund any such excess if any rents or utilities remain outstanding as of the date said refund is due. In whioh event Landlord shall be entitled to apply this excess to any outstanding rent or utilities. Landlord's obligations under this paragraph are conditioned Tenant's i. itials upon Tenant providing Landlord written notification of Tenant's new address. OCCUPANTS. The only persons allowed to occupy the leased property are the Tenant and no other party. (2 ocoupants only) No additional occupants are permitted. For the purpose of this paragraph, additional occupant is considered to be any individual residing at the leased premises for more than 2 days. In such case, an additional charge of $15 per week per occupant will be charged and paid by Tenant. DELIVERY OF PREMISES. Tenant has examined the premises, including appliances, fixtures, carpets, drapes and paint and have found them to be in good, safe and clean condition and repair. Tenant is leasing premises in its present condition. Landlord being under no duty to make improvements or alterations hereafter. Ail imperfections in the premises are set forth on a listing attached to this lease. This listing is aoknowledged by Landlord and Tenant and is attaohed for the sole purpose of listing imperfections only -prior to beginning of Tenant's occupancy and for determining any damages to the premises caused by Tenant during this lease. Tenant shall not be responsible for any imperfection set forth on this list, but shall be responsible for any defects or damages not included on this list. USE OF PREMISES. The leased property will only be used by Tenant as a residence. No commercial achivities are permitted. Tenant- will no~ occ~y ~he leased premises in any okher name or for any other purpose than is called for in the lease and in addition agrees that the premises shall not be occupied by more than one family. UTILITIES. Tenant shall pay for the following utilities: electric, heat, telephone, tv cable and trash. Landlord will pay water, sewer and hot wa~er. TENANT OBLIC~ATIONS. During the term of this lease Tenant shall: - Pay all rent and all other charges herein provided when due. Acceptance of any late payments by Landlord shall not excnse Tenant from being required to make future payments on time and shall not be a waiver of Landlord's rights and remedies. - Keep hhe property clean and free front dirt or ether refuse; replace all broken glass windows or doors; and otherwise keep the property in geed maintenance and repair, in the same cendition it was at the beginning of hhis ].ease, ordinary wear and tear and damage by accidental fire or other casualty not occurring through Tenant's negligence excepted. If premises needs repainted at end of tenant's occupancy ~hen gost of painting will be deducted from security deposit. Holes from pictures, shelving, etc must be patched, sanded and repainted by Tenant. - Not permit any pets or other animals on the leased premises except as listed below; t.o keep the property and i&~ free from any fleas, ticks, animal feces; and to repair any damage to the property caused by said pets oz' animals. PERMITTED PET(S): ~one - Use every reasonable precaution against fire. Smoke detectors are in proper working order on beginning date of this lease agreement. Tenant is responsible for maintaining the smoke detectors and keeping them in working order at all times thereafter. - Not make or permit any disturbing noises by Tenant or members of the family or visitors or do or permit: anything to be done that would disturb or interfere with the rights and convenience of other tenants or neighbors ho the leased premises. Comply with the requirements of all public and governmental authorities including but not limited to Federal, State and Local governmental law, regulations and ordinances applicable to Tenant's use of hhe leased property and to pay all penalties, fines costs or damages resulting from Tenant's failure to comply with any law, regulation or ordinance. - After 14 days, be responsible for the first $20 of any repair to faucets, toilets, broken locks, cabinetry, doom'knobs, etc. Be responsible for repairs to all appliances from beginning date of lease when due to tenant neglect or abuse. Keep all drain pipes open and to pay the costs of cleaning waste from them and keep all water supply lines from freezing and to pay all costs arising out of frozen pipes, including but not limited to damages resulting from frozen pipe breakage. Keep all heat set at rio less than 55 degrees between December 1 and March 30 and to utilize 'the heating systems in the leased premises and not use alternative heating systems. Kerosene and space heaters are not permitted. Any heating cost estimates given are onl e timates and due to 4 Tenaatt's initials variations in Tenant habits, cost of fuel and the weather, Landlord does not guarantee that' cost's will be same as estimates. - Within seven days of the signing of this agreement, Tenant will obtain renter's insurance and provide proof of purchase to Landlord Tenant further agrees to maintain the policy throughout the duration of the tenancy, and to furnish proof of insuranoe on a semi-annual basis. - Pay for any damages, carpet cleaning, general cleaning and all other obligations under this lease not covered by the security deposit. - Be responsible for the cost of treatment of the premises [and adjoining premises if nececessary] for the extermination of roaches, fleas or any other ~[nsect brought into the property by Tenant. Landlord will not treat ants, spiders, etc. - Have no water beds on the premises. Not assign, mortgage ou pledge this lease or underlet or sublease · the leased premises or any part thereof, or permit any other person, firm or corporation to occupy the premises or any part thereof. If the Tenant becomes embarrassed or insolvent, or makes assig'nment for the benefit of creditors, or if a petition in bankruptcy is filed by or against the Tenant or a bill in equJty or other proceeding for the appointment of a receiver for 'the Tenant is filed, or if proceeding for reorganization or for composition with creditors under any State or Federal laws be instituted by or against Tenant, or if the real or personal property of Tenant shall be sold or levied upon by any Sheriff, Marshall or Constable, the same shall be a violation of this parag~'aph. - Have all carpets professionally steam-cleaned and deodorized upon leaving the premises and to furnish Landlord with a paid receipt. Use of rental cleaners or personally owned cleaning units is not permitted and will not be considered professionally cleaned. If Tenant fails 'to steam clean carpets upon leaving, Landlord may do so and deduct the costs from the security deposit. - Not make any alterations, improvements cr additions to the leased property. Ail alterations, additions or fixtures, where installed before or after 'the execution of this lease, shall remain upon the premises at the expiration or sooner termination of this lease and become the property of Landlord, unless Landlord, prior to the termination of lease, gives written notice to Tenant to remove the same. In which event, Tenant will remove such alterations, improvements and additions and restore the premises to the same good order and condition at which they are now. If Tenant fails to do so, Landlor~ may'do so, collecting at Landlord's option, the costs and expense thereof from Tenant as additional rent. - Be responsible for removal of snow and/or ice on steps into apartment and in front of apartment door. - Not remove, or attempt to remove Tenant's goods or property from premises without having first paid and satisfied Landlord for all rent which may become due during the entire term of this lease. - Not do or allow to be done any act, matter or thing objectionable to the fire insurance company whereby the fire insurance or other insurance shall become void or suspended or rate increased. - Comply will all future reasonable rules and regulations which [Landlord may hereafter institute. - Be responsible and agrees to relieve Landlord from any liability for any injury or damage 'to any person(s) or property on or in the leased premises (including basement, attic, garage, shed, otc). The foregoing shall include but not be limited to injury and damage resulting from any fire or other casualty, accident or existing condition (radon, lead paint, asbestos, if any); breakage, or leakage from plumbing, water, rain, ice, snow, accumulation of water, snow or ice whether said damage or injury is caused by the negligence of Landlord or Tenant or any other person whomsoever, or an act of God. - Tenant understands that Landlord does not warranty that basement, crawl space, garage, storage shed, etc. are dry nor does Landlord warranty that such areas will remain dry. Landlord does not assume any responsibility for any costs of water extraction from these areas nor is Landlord responsible for damages to Tenant's belongings or injury to any person(s) thereof. Tenant has been made aware that basement has gotten water in when outside street floods during heavy rains. Landlord has installed waterproofing system, but cannot guarantee basement will stay dry should system fail. LANDLORD RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. and remedies: Landlord shall have the following rights 1. Inspect the premises at reasonable hours upon 24 hours oral notification to Tenant. However, in the case of any emergency or other unusual circumstance, no notification shall be required. 6 Tenant's initial.~/~/~ ,4',4 2. Display a' "For' Rent" or "For' Sale" sign or both,at ai~y time on ~ 's-,s and to show property 'to prospective tenants or buyers at preml .De reasonable times upon 24 hours advance oral notice to tenant. Owner is a licensed real estate agent. 3. Declare Tenant to be in default of this lease upon the occurrence of any of the following events: a) Tenant fails to pay the rent within {4) days of its due date. term. b) Tenant fails to vacate the premises at the end of the lease c) Tenant fails to comply with any other of Tenant's obligations under this lease, which default remains unremedied with five (5) days of its occurrerlce. d) Tenant becomes insolvent making an assignment for the benefit of creditors; becoming the debtor on any bankruptcy proceeding, voluntarily or involuntarily; having a judgment entered against Tenant which remains unpaid fora period in excess of 30 days. LANDLORD'S REMEDIES. If Tenant defaults for any reasons specified in the previous paragraphs, Landlord shall have the following remedies: 1. Declare the entire rent reserved for the full term of this lease to become immediately due and payable and collectible. 2. Terminate the lease and to enter upon and repossess the leased property without being considered a trespasser. 3. Evict the Tenant from the ].eased premises upon providing the Tenant with a Five (5) Day Notice to Quit. The Penant waives all other notices or any longer notification period 'that may otherwise be required by virtue of any law, including but not limited to the Landlord Tenant Law of Pennsylvania. 4. Dispose of all of the Tenant's property remaining on the premises after Tenant has vacated the premises and te charge Tenant for such removal cost and without any liability to account 'to Tenant for the value received for'the items disposed. 7 Tenant's initials 5. Collect all sums due Landlord under this lease ,in any manner provided by law. 6. Offset against Tenant's security deposit any amounts due Landlord under this ]_ease and the amount of any damages that Landlord suffers as the result of Tenant's breach of lease and to secure judgment against Tenant for any excess damages not covered by security deposit. 7. Confess judgment against Tenant for any amounts owed by Tenant to Landlord under this lease in which event Tenant authorizes the Prothonotary or any attorney to appear for and confess judgment against Tenant and in favor of Landlord for the whole amount of the rent and other sums that are due, together with an attorney's commission of 2D% and oosts of suit. 8. Confess judgment against Tenant in an amicable action of ejectment in which event the Tenant hereby authorizes the Prothonotary or any attorney ef record to appear for and to confess judgment in ejectment agaiast Tenant and in favor of Landlord and to direct the immediate issuance of a writ of possession, all without notice or leave of court and waving all i~reguLarikies. 9. Assess Tenant all. reasonable attorneys Ices and costs incurred by Landlord in enforcing Landlord's rights under this lease, including but not limited to all attorney's fees and costs incurred by landlord in securing Tenant's removal from the leased property and in securing payment of all sums due Landlord under this lease, in which event tenant specifically agrees to pay such attorney fees and costs. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. - If it is determined that tile Tenant's use of the leased property is not permitted under law, rule or regulation, 'then this lease shall terminate and Tenant shall immediately vacate the premises. - All rights and liabilities herein set forth shall extend to and bind the parties (or in the event this agreement is signed by Landlord's agent, 'this agreement shall instead bind the Landlord), their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. If there is more than one Tenant, each shall be bound by this agreement jointly and individually. The words Tenant and Landlord shall mean ail Tenants and all Landlords, in spite of the singular form of these words used. - Any notice required or permitted by this lease or any other law, rule .or regulation governing this lease, shall be deemed to have been given to all Tenants oz Landlords if given to any one Tenant or Landlord. - Tenant has been provided with the pamph_ket "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home~ and has signed the Disolosure of Information Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead Based Paint Hazards form(which is attached to lease agreement). As stated by the EPA, properties built prior to 1978 may contain lead paint. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord is under no obligation to have the property inspected or tested for purposes of determining the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards or to provide Tenant with the opportunity to conduct such an inspection or testing. Tenant is therefore leasing the property in "as is" condition. - Tenant agrees and understands that with their signature on the lease agreement, Tenant is authorizing Landlord to release information on Tenant's rental history whop Landlord is used by Tenant as a reference. - This lease shall include all attachment~ hereto signed by both Landlord and Tenan't, including but not limited to the listing of defects of the premises. If such listing is not attached, it shall be deemed to mean that there are no current defects. - Tenant acknowledges that this agreement is a binding legal document and that Tenant has been provided the opportunity to read and review this document prior te signing it and that it is entered into by Tenan't voluntarily and willingly. Tenant further acknowledges that there are no blanks in this agreement that have not been filled in as of the time Tenant signed this agreement and this fully and completely sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of 'the parties. Attackunents to Lease: _V Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards Disclosure .~/Landlord/Tenant Checklist _/Radon Disclosure Form ,~Asbestos Disclosure Form IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, each intending to Be hereby, have hereunto set 'their hands aad seals. WI '?NESS WITNESS legally bound LANDLORD EXHIBIT "B" CALCULATION OF LATE FEES CURL VS. AUSTIN' · CALCULATION OF LATE FEES, Date Rent Due Date Rent Paid # of Days after 7th 40.00 Late $4.50 per Date Total Charge 4/5/99 4/14/99 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 5/5/99 5/8/99 1 $40.00 $4.50 $44.50 6/5/99 6/14/99 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 7/5/99 7/9/99 2 $40.00 $9.00 $49.00 8/5/99 8/10/99 3 $40.00 $13.50 $53.50 11/5/99 11 / 15/99 8 $40.00 $36.00 $76.00 12/5/99 12/13/99 6 $40.00 $27.00 $67.00 1/5/00 1/26/00 19 $40.00 $85.50 $125.50 3/5/00 3/22/00 15 $40.00 $67.50 $107.50 4/5/00 4/18/00 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 5/5/00 5/16/00 9 $40.00 $40.50 $80.50 6/5/00 6/17/00 10 $40.00 $45.00 $85.00 8/5/00 8/18/00 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 9/5/00 9/18/00 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 10/5/00 10/I 4/00 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 12/5/00 12/23/00 16 $40.00 $72.00 $112.00 1/5/01 1/29/00 22 $40.00 $99.00 $139.00 3/5/01 3/19/01 12 $40.00 $54.00 $94.00 4/5/01 4/10/01 3 $40.00 $13.50 $53.50 5/5/01 5/8/01 1 $40.00 $4.50 $44.50 7/5/01 7/9/01 2 $40.00 $9.00 $49.00 9/5/01 9/27/01 20 $40.00 $90.00 $130.00 12/5/01 12/18/01 l I $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 1/5/02 1/15/02 8 $40.00 $36.00 $76.00 2/5/02 2/13/02 6 $40.00 $27.00 $67.00 3/5/02 3/15/02 8 $40.00 $36.00 $76.00 5/5/02 5/17/02 10 $40.00 $45.00 $85.00 6/5/02 6/18/02 I l $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 7/5/02 7/10/02 3 $40.00 $13.50 $53.50 8/5/02 8/14/02 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 10/5/02 10/23/02 16 $40.00 $72.00 $112.00 1/5/03 1/13/03 6 $40.00 $27.00 $67.00 2/5/03 3/3/03 24 $40.00 $108.00 $148.00 3/5/03 3/28/03 21 $40.00 $94.50 $134.50 4/5/03 Not Paid to 6/27 81 $40.00 $364.50 $404.50 .... 5/5/03 Not Paid to 6/2~ .... 51 $~4~J500 ~229.50 .... $2'69.5~ Totals $1~440.00 $2~097.00 $37537.00 j/ J /://.? o,E ~ '.." 7C..'.T.?"5S '..' 7 ~o~"~? l to~,--' "'"-, R 0i-\o q'ff'''O 2 ~ Sunday 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 3 ~. '(.~.,~ 6~./7 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 10 11 17 18 12 13 14 19 2O 24 25 26 /5 27 21 ¸ii AnyTime Month Planner Printed dune 26. 2003 EXHIBIT "C" INVOICES AND RECEIPTS David L. Sheaffer - Carpets 586 East ,Canal Rpad Hershey, Pa. 17033 (717) 533-6190 INVOICE ESTIMATE NO: ll2'l DATE: 04/26/2003 To: Sharon Curl Tasker 1000 A Otto Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 For: 1'1 8. Pitt Street Apt. Carlisle, PA SALESPERSON P.O. NU~iEER DATE SHiP~,,-u SHIPPED VIA F.O.B. POINT TERMS Dave Sheaffer 04/26/2003 QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 32.67 sq. yds. Removal of existing glue down carpet, scrape up 62.67 square yards (~ $2.25/sq. yd. $141.00 ~2.67 sq. yds. Installation of customer's carpet, direct glue down @ $4.05/sq. yd. $254.01 .~arpet of this quality had a life of expectancy of 10 yrs but was removed due to damage by burns and stains Any alterations or Deviations from the above Specifications Sub Total $ 395.01 Will be executed only upon written order, and will become an Extra charge over and above this estimate Total $ 395.01 THE ABOVE PRICES, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS ARE SATISFACTORY AND ARE HERBY ACCEPTED.YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO THE WORK AS SPECIFIED. PAYIvlENTS WILL BE MADE UPON COMPLETION OF WORK. DATE SIGNATURE SIGNATURE David L. Sheaffer - Carpets 586 East ~anal Rpad Hershey, Pa. 17033 (H & F) (717) 533-6190 (C) (717) 319-9490 ES': IMATE ESTIMATE NO: 1121 DATE: 05 May 03 To: Sharon Curl Tasker 1000 A Otto Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 For: 11 S. Pitt Street Apt. 6 Carlisle, PA SALESPERSON P.O, NUMBER DATE SHIPPED SHIPPED VIA F.O.B. POINT TERMS Dave Sheaffer 05/05/2003 QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE AMOUNT l'his quote is for replacement of vinyl kitchen flooring due to burn holes and cuts in existing flooring. This price includes removal of existing rinyl flooring and costs to replace flooring, including installation of new floodng. Removal of existing vinyl flooring and prep and patch work: $122.00 12 x 9 New vinyl flooring: 12 square yards @ $9.99/yard $119.88 Installation cost: $120.00 Any alterations or Deviations from the above Specifications Will be executed only upon written order, and will become an Extra charge over and above this estimate Sub Total $ 361.88 Total $ 381.88 THE ABOVE PRICES, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS ARE SATISFACTORY AND ARE HERBY ACCEPTED.YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO THE WORK AS SPECIFIED. PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE UPON COMPLETION OF WORK. SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATURE PROSOURCE OF: HARRISBURG 7986 GRAYSON ROAD HARRISBURG, PA 17111 Telephone: 717-$$8-9014 Fax: 717-558-9325 TASKER, RANDALL RANDALL J TASKER 1000A OTTO DRIVE MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055- Telephone: 717-691-8634 ACKNOWLEDGMENT 04/21/03 Style/Item TASKER, RANDALL 1000A OTTO DRIVE MECHANICSBURG, P/ APT 6 11 SOUTH PITT ST. ColodDescription Size CG300978 Total Quantity Units Price DELTA 26 DELTA 26 FREIGHT 021 NATURAL GRAIN 12X29.5 021 NATURAL GRAIN 15X14.5 39.33 SY 4.99 196.26 24.17 SY 4.99 120.61 1.00 EA 10.00 10.00 - 04/21/03 PAID Sales Consultant(s): LARRY WEADER 3:54PM - 316.87 10.00 19.61 Material: Service: Sales Tax: INVOICE TOTAL; Less Payment(s): BALANCE DUE: $346.48 0.00 Signature: $346.48 CAROL NEWKUM 6103 NASSAU ROAD HARRZSBURG, PA 17112 .10B lrNVOICE / / BZLLffD TO: Randall.l. Tasker lOOOA Otto Drive · lechanicsbur~. PA S~art ~ime ~ Time Total Hours Total labor Signature - Carol JOE PIERICH 7652 Appleby Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112 oy;,s cUSTOM V¢o 4* '~ NO JOBS TOO SMALL carpentry · roofing · siding · and more Phone 469-0003 ~I~' ~]£~lpng~ hereby to furnish material and labor - complete in accordance with above specifications, for the sum of: For a total cash price of $ ,5 '~ C~, (-~ O Down Payment $ _ Balance $ Note: This proposal may be withdrawn by US if not accepted within .S~rrep~m~re a! ~rapas~l - The above prices, &oa¢ifica- lions and conditions are satisfactory and are hereby accepted. You are authorized to do the work as specified. Payment will be made as out- lined above, Signature Date of Acceptance: 979540/NC2583 CVT 8/98 calbonless ~;Adams NC2583 2 PART STATEMENT I?o// NO. IDATE: I~ IAMOUNT REMITTED , i AND MAIL WITH YOUR REMI3q'ANCE. YOUR CANCELLED CHECK IS YOUR RECEIPT. PREVIOUS BALANCE · ~ STATEMENT Thank YOU NC2583 1 .00 GREETING CaRE 0.50 S 077054200106-3 1 00 EREEIiN6 Ui~kl) 0 50 S 0710542501013 ~,.:lOR PaN 6:,N -- ' ~,~ I ,bO S~ I 00 S STATE TAX T OTIqk CASH CHANGE $9.00 SO 5'1 $9.54 $10.00 $0,46 ITEHS 8 2003'04'-25 I' ~'9 f~;~ EXHIBIT "D" CALCULATION OF TOTAL AMOUNT DUE PLAINTIFF CURL VS. AUSTIN CALCULATION OF TOTAL AMOUNTS CLAIMED BY LANDLORD Description Rent Late Fee Damage Attorneys Total Amounts Amount Amount Fees Amount April 2003 Rent $350.00 $350.00 May 2003 Rent $350.00 $350.00 Rent Late Fees and Penalties $3,537.00 $3,537.00 4/5/99-6/27/03 Invoice #1 $3!95.01 $395.01 David Sheaffer Carpets Invoice #2 $361.88 $361.88 David Sheaffer Carpets Invoice #3 $346.48 $346.48 Prosource Invoice ~4 $1211.75 $131.75 Carol Newkum Invoice # 5 $32,0.00 $330.00 Joe's Custom Work Invoice #6 $88.00 $88.00 Brian Barger Invoice # 7 $190.79 $190.79 Castles Lumber Invoice #8 Dollar General $6.36 $6.36 Attorneys Fees $1,717.50 $1,717.50 Totals $700.00 $3,537.00 $1,850.27 $717.54 $7,804.77 Sharon Curl, Plaintiff : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : NO. 03-:3676 CIVIL TERM Robert Austin, : CIVIL - LAW Defendant : NOTICE TO PLEAD TO: Sharon Curl You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed Answer and New Matter within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entere( against you. Respectfully Submitted TURO LAW OFFICES Date Daniel D. Worley, Esquir~ 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 245-9688 Attorney for Defendant Sharon Curl, Plaintiff Robert Austin, Defendant : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM : CIVIL - LAW ANSWER AND NEW MATTER AND NOW COMES Defendant, by and through his attorney, Turo Law Offices, and files this Answer and New Matter to Plaintiff's Complaint. 1. Admitted. 2. Admitted and Denied. By way of further answer, Robert Austin resides at 79 Clay Road Carlisle, PA 17013, he receives mail at P.O. Box 351, Carlisle, PA 17013. 3. Admitted. 4. Admitted. 5. Admitted. 6. A-H Admitted only to the extent that they are provisions of the lease. A. Admitted. B. Admitted. C. Admitted. D. Admitted. E. Admitted. F. Admitted. G. Admitted. H. Admitted. 7. Denied. By way of further answer, Defendant was still in the process of leaving the premises on April 12, 2003 and had not vacated it. Defendant gave advance notice of his intent to discontinue renting the property, telephonically, prior to beginning the vacating process. 8. Admitted. By way of further answer Defendant was of the belief that his security deposit would pay for the April rent and he planned to vacate the premises before May. ,Admitted in part and Denied in part. By way of further answer, Defendant paid his rent bills and the Plaintiff accepted the same. Defendant did not receive notices or demands for late fees. Defendant denies that the late fees are due because of Satisfaction and Accord. 10. Denied. By way of further answer, the "damage' to the property was normal wear and tear that happens with time. Furthermore, Defendant was beginning the process of cleaning and repairing the property when Plaintiff broke into the property and subsequently locked Defendant out. 11 .,A. Admitted. By way of further answer Defendant was of the belief that his security deposit would pay for the April rent and he planned to and did vacate the premises before May. B. ,Admitted. By way of further answer, Defendant paid his rent bills and the Plaintiff accepted the same. Defendant did not receive notices or demands for late fees. Defendant denies that the late fees are due because of Satisfaction and Accord. C. Denied. Defendant Called Plaintiff on April 4, 2003 and left a message that he could no longer rent the property because PP&L was shutting off the electricity. D. ,Admitted. By way of further answer, Defendant was going to clean the premises, but was locked out by the Plaintiff before he was able to do so. E. Admitted. By way of further answer, Defendant was in the process of repairing the premises, but was locked out by the Plaintiff before he was able to finish the repairs. F. Denied. The "damage" to the property was regular wear and tear that defendant would have cleaned or repaired had he not been locked out of the premises. = 12.The allegations of this paragraph are legal conclusions to which no responsive pleading is required. If a responsive pleading is required, it is denied that Defendant is liable to Plaintiff for any monetary damages. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Robert Austin, respectfully requests that this Court enter judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiff, Sharon Curl. NEW MATTER 13. On or about April 1, 2003 PP&L contacted Defendant and informed him that his electricity would be shut off at the end of the month because they could not read the meter and had sent estimated bills for a year. 14. Defendant could not provide PP&L access to the meter because he did not have a Key. 15. Defendant, Robert Austin, called Sharon Curl on or about April 4, 2003 intending to ask her to let PP&L check the meter. 16.The message on Plaintiff's answering machine stated that she was on vacation. 17. Defendant, faced with his electricity being shut off, left a message for Plaintiff stating that he was no longer going to rent the property because his electricity was being shut off. 18. On or about April 12, 2003 Defendant moved a few pieces of his personal property (the heavier items). 19. On or about April 17, 2003 Defendant returned to the apartment with a few friends and cleaning materials to remove the rest of his property and clean the apartment before returning the keys to Plaintiff. 20. Defendant attempted to enter the apartment and discovered that his key no longer fit the apartment door. He looked in the window and discovered that his property was gone. 21. Defendant called a representative of Plaintiff's who advised Defendant that his personal property had been removed from the premises "thrown in the burn pit and burned". 22. The personal property taken from the apartment included Defendant's then working computer and computer components, Defendant's Keys, Defendant's television, Defendant's checkbook and financial information to name just a few. 23. It was later discovered that Defendants property had not been thrown away, but was stored in a barn. 24. The property returned to Defendant after storage in a barn for three months was destroyed. 25.The property was returned to Defendant's house before he was able to fully inspect it. 26.As Defendant attempted to salvage his property from the bags returned to him by the Plaintiff, he was accosted by a putrid stench and as he reached into a trash can, he were horrified to find a decomposing baby groundhog with maggots crawling from its carcass. 27. Included with the returned property was rotten food (rotten lettuce, ketchup, mayonnaise) that was removed form the refrigerator and stored in a barn for three months during the summer. 28.After Defendant brought an action to recover the value of his property, Plaintiff forwarded bills for "property damage" as well as late fees for payments made since 1999. 29. Plaintiff marked the envelopes Defendant sent his rent check in; received and paid. 30. Plaintiff's claims for late fees are barred by Satisfaction and Accord. 31 .On or about April 1,2003 PP&L contacted Defendant and informed him that because PP&L was not provided access to the electric meter, the electricity would be shut off by the end of April. 32. Defendant had previously contacted Plaintiff and asked her for a key to allow PP&L to read the meter. 33. Plaintiff did not give PP&L access to the electric meter after repeated requests. 34. The loss of electricity would deprive Robert Austin of the beneficial enjoyment of the whole the demised premises causing Constructive Eviction. 35. Because he was constructively evicted, Robert Austin had to leave the property. 36. Plaintiff, as landlord, was under an obligation imposed by the implied warranty of habitability to provide and maintain habitable promises. See Pugh v. Holmes, 486 Pa. 272 (1979) at 284. 37. By failing to provide PP&L access to the electric meter, the property became uninhabitable. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Robert Austin, respectfully requests that this Court enter judgment in his favor and against the Plaintiff, Sharon Curl. Date Respectfully submitted, D~niel D. Worley, Esquire Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt St. Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 245-9688 Attorney for Defendant VERIFICATION I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Answer and New Matter are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. {}4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date Robert Austin CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the upon, Diane G. Radcliff, by depositing same in the United States Mail, first class, postage pre-paid on the Il day of ~t~.,[,¢~-- ,2003, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows: Diane G. Radcliff, Esquire 3448 Trindle Road Camp Hill, PA 17011 TURO LAW OFFICES Daniel D. Worley, Esquire 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 245-9688 Attorney for Plaintiff 1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHARON CURL VS. ROBERT AUSTIN Plaintiff Defendant NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN CONTRACT PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER AND NOW, this 30th day of September, 2003, comes the Plaintiff, Sharon Curl, by her attorney, Diane G. Radcliff, Esquire, and files this Answer to Defendant's New Matter as follows: 13. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averment that "On or about April 1, 2003, PP&L contacted Defendant and informed him that his electricity would be shut off at the end of the month because they could not read the meter and had estimated his bill for a year." as set forth in Paragraph 13 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiffdemands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: ao Defendant vacated the leased premises while Plaintiffwas away on vacation in order to avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would have become due thereafter until proper thirty days written notice was given as required by the lease. There was no reason for Defendant to terminate the Lease at any time, other than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty days written notice as required by the Lease, since Defendant's electricity was never shut off, and his termination and vacating of the leased premises occur well prior to the date he alleged PP&L would have terminated his electricity. Ce Defendant was aware that Plaintiff was returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 (well before PP&L's alleged shut offdate of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP&L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. 14. Defendant never called Plaintiff on her cell phone even though instructions were left on her answering machine for him to do so in the event any matter needed to be handled during her absence. On April 5, 2003, Defendant left a message on her answering machine and was well aware her inslructions to call her if necessary and nonetheless made no attempt to call her so that she could take action during her absence. Defendant was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted the Plaintiff and asked that she give PP&L access to the basement even though they had her address and phone number. Ge Plaintiffcontacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them with access to the basement, and in that call or at any other time PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off the electricity. H. PP&L never shut off the electricity to the leased premises. IfPP&L threatened to cut offDefendant's electricity, it was because of his failure to pay his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L a requested security deposit. Plaintiff previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready access to the basement to read the meter; that they had lost or misplaced that key; and, that she gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her return from vacation and well prior to the end of the month. ADMITTED. It is admitted that the Defendant could not provide PP& L access to the meter because he did not have a key. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: Defendant had no right of access to the basement as the basement had not been leased by him, except that Defendant was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was permitted to give access to PP&L or Defendant for the purpose of reading the electric meter. Be Plaintiff had previously given a key to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready access to the basement to read the meter, and as soon as she learned PP&L had lost 15. 16. the key she provided them with a replacement key so that PP&L could read the meter at their convenience. PP&L had Plaintiffs telephone number and address and never contacted her asking her for access to the basement in order to read the meter. DENIED. It is denied that on April 4, 2003, Defendant called Plaintiff. On the contrary it is averred that: The only time Defendant ever called Plaintiffwas on April 5, 2003, 4 days after the alleged call he received from PP&L With respect to the averment as to the Defendm~t's intent in making this phone call, said averment is denied as Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of that averment that "Defendant called Sharon Curl intending to ask her to let PP&L check the meter." as set forth in Paragraph 15 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. ADMITTED. It is admitted that Plaintiffs message on her answering machine indicated that she was away on vacation. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: Plaintiffs answering machine message also informed callers that if they needed to reach her during her vacation for any reason whatsoever that required her attention they should call her on her cell phone, which cell phone number was provided. Defendant never called her cell phone during her vacation from April 1, 2003-April 13, 2003. Had Defendant called Plaintiff on her cell phone during the period April 1, 2003- April 13, 2003, Plaintiff would have had the ability to correct the alleged situation with PP&L during her absence. 17. DENIED. It is specifically denied that Defendant, faced with having his electricity being shut off, left a message for Plaintiff stating that he was no longer going to rent the property because his electricity was being shut off. On the contrary and by way of further Answer, it is averred that: - 3 - Plaintiffs answering machine message also informed callers that if they needed to reach her during her vacation for any reason whatsoever which required her attention they should call her on her cell phone, which cell phone number was provided. Defendant never called her cell phone during her vacation from April 1, 2003-April 13, 2003. Had Defendant called Plaintiff on her cell phone during the period April 1, 2003- April 13, 2003, Plaintiff would have had the ability to correct the alleged situation with PP&L during her absence. The only message left by the Defendant was on her home answering machine on April 5, 2003, which was limited to a request for Plaintiff to contact PP&L to allow them to have access to the basement to read the meter. Defendant vacated the leased premises while Plaintiffwas away on vacation in order to avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would have become due thereafter until proper thirty days written notice was given as required by the lease. There was no reason for Defendant to terminate the Lease at any time, other than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty days written notice as required by the Lease, since Defendant's electricity was never shut off, and his termination and vacating of the leased premises occur well prior to the date he alleged PP&L would have terminated his electricity. Defendant was aware that Plaintiff was returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 (well before PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP&L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. Defendant never called Plaintiff on her cell phone even though instructions were left on her answering machine for him to do so in the event any matter needed to be handled during her absence. On April 5, 2003, Defendant left a message on her answering machine and was well aware her instructions to call her if necessary and nonetheless made no attempt to call her so that she could take action during her absence. Defendant was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted the Plaintiff and asked that she give PP&L access to the basement even though they had her address and phone number. Plaintiffcontacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them with access to the basement, and in that call or at any other time PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off the electricity. L. PP&L never shut off the electricity to the leased premises. IfPP&L threatened to cut offDefendant's electricity, it was because of his failure to pay his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L a requested security deposit. Plaintiff previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready access to the basement to read the meter; that they had lost or misplaced that key; and, that she gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her return from vacation and well prior to the end of the month. 18. DENIED. It is denied that on or about April 12, 2003 Defendant moved a few pieces of his personal property (the heavier items). By way of further Answer, it is averred that on said date Defendant vacated the premises and removed all of his belongings with the exception of junk items which Plaintiff reasonably believed he left behind in the apartment for her disposal. 19. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the troth or falsity of the averment that "On or about April 17 Defendant returned to the apartment with a few friends and cleaning materials to remove the rest of his property and clean the apartment before returning the keys to Plaintiff" as set forth in Paragraph 19 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer it is averred that: During the period between April 5, 2003 and April 17, 2003, Defendant never contacted Plaintiff to inform her that he was terrninating the lease and moving from the apartment. - $ - 20. 21. 22. Defendant did not give the required thirty days written notice of intention to terminate the lease. When Defendant vacated the premises, he left a key on the counter which Plaintiff thought was the key to the leased premises, since her key did not work as Defendant had changed the locks to the apartment without Plaintiffs knowledge and consent. The apartment had been left in a filthy and damaged condition, and what repairs had been attempted by Defendant prior to his vacating the leased premises were not properly done. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averment that "Defendant attempted to enter the apartment and discovered that his key no longer fit the door and that he looked in the window and discovered that his property was gone." as set forth in Paragraph 20 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that Plaintiff changed to locks to the apartment since Defendant had vacated it without paying his last months rent, and had to do so because Defendant has changed the locks before without her knowledge and consent, thereby denying her access to the leased premises as required under the terms of the lease. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averment that "Defendant called a representative of Plaintiffs who advised Defendant that his personal property had been removed from the premises and thrown in the burn pit and burned." as set forth in Paragraph 13 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that Defendant spoke with Randall Tasker, the Plaintiffs significant other, who informed Defendant that the items left behind at the time Defendant vacated the premises and without prior written notice were junk and that he intended on disposing of them either by having them put in the dumpster or by burning them. ADMITTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.. It is admitted that property the Plaintiff removed from the apartment included a television, computer, computer components and the like. It is denied that it included his keys, checkbook and financial information. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: - 6 - 23. 24. 25. A. The television, computer and scanner were not working. B. All of the remaining items were junk and of no value. Plaintiff was permitted to remove said items from the apartment pursuant to Paragraph 4 on page 7 of the Lease which provides that Plaintiff "may dispose of all of tenant's property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and to charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tenant for the value received for the items disposed". ADMITTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. It is admitted that the items were stored in Plaintiff's barn. It is denied that Plaintiff ever told Defendant that they had been thrown away. By way of further Answer, it is further avem~d that all of Defendant's items were returned to him even though Plaintiff was under no obligation to do so pursuant to Paragraph 4 on page 7 of the Lease which provides that Plaintiff "may dispose of all of tenant's property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and to charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tenant for the value received for the items disposed". DENIED. It is specifically denied that Defendant's property was destroyed as the result of storage in Plaintiff's barn. On the contrary and by way of further Answer, it is averred that: A. The television, computer and scanner were was not working. B. All of the remaining items were junk and of no value. Plaintiff was permitted to remove said items from the apartment pursuant to Paragraph 4 on page 7 of the Lease which provides that Plaintiff "may dispose of all of tenant's property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and to charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tenant for the value received for the items disposed". DENIED. It is denied that the property was returned to Defendant before he had an opportunity to inspect it. On the contrary and by way of further Answer, it is averred that Defendant was given the opportunity to inspect the items and declined to do so prior to their return to his home. - 7 - 26. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averment that"As Defendant attempted to salvage his propertyfrom the bags returned to him by Plaintiff he was accosted by a putrid stench and as he reached in the trash can he was horrified to find a decomposing baby groundhog with maggots crawling from its carcass." as set forth in Paragraph 26 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: Plaintiff inventoried the Defendant's property immediately prior to delivery to Defendant and there was no ground hog carcass in them. Even if Defendant's averment is tree, it creates no liability on the part of Plaintiff, in that pursuant to Paragraph 4 on page 7 of the Lease Plaintiff was permitted to" dispose of all of tenant's property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and to charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tenant for the value received for the items disposed". Plaintiff only returned said items to Defendant because he insisted on having them even though she was under no obligation to return them to him. 27. 28. 29. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averment that "Included in the returned property was rotten food (rotten lettuce, ketchup, mayonnaise) that was removed from the refrigerator and stored in the barn for three months." as set forth in Paragraph 27 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that Defendant, by letter from his attorney, demanded a return of all of his items, including the return of food goods, and Plaintiff complied with his request, which return did not include and lettuce. ADMITTED. It is admitted that after Defendant brought an action to recover the value of his items Plaintiff forwarded to him a bill for property damage as well as late fees for payment made since 1999. By way of further Answer, it is averred that said action was required by the Landlord Tenant Law which required for that information to be provided if the landlord was not returning the security deposit and intended to collect for the damages. ADMITTED. It is admitted that Plaintiff marked the envelopes Defendant sent his rent checks in as "received and paid". By way of fnrther Answer, it is averred that said makings - 8 - 30. 31. were for her own personal records and have no relevance as to whether any late fees remain due and payable by Defendant. It is further averred that Plaintiffs acceptance of the late rent payments do not act as a waiver of her right to claim and receive late fees from Defendant. NO ANSWER REQUIRED. The averment in Paragraph 30 of Defendant's New Matter is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. Ifa response is deemed to be required, it is averred that Plaintiffs claim for late fees is not bmr:ed by Satisfaction and Accord. DENIED. Plaintiff is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averment that "On or about April 1, 2003 PP&L contacted Defendant and informed him that since PP&L was not provided with access to the electric meter, the electricity wouM be shut off by the end of April." as set forth in Paragraph 31 of Defendant's New Matter, and said averment is, therefore, denied. Plaintiff demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: Defendant vacated the leased premises while Plaintiff was away on vacation in order to avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would have become due thereafter until proper thirty days written notice was given as required by the lease. There was no reason for Defendant to terminate the Lease at any time, other than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty day written notice as required by the Lease, since Defendant's electricity was never shut off, and his termination and vacating of the leased premises occur well prior to the date he alleged PP&L would have terminated his electricity. Defendant was aware that Plaintiffwas returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 (well before PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP&L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. Defendant never called Plaintiffon her cell phone even though instructions were left on her answering machine for him to do so in the event any matter needed to be handled during her absence. On April 5, 2003, Defendant left a message on her answering machine and was well aware her instructions to call her if necessary and nonetheless made no attempt to call her so that she could take action during her absence. E. Defendant was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was - 9 - 32. 33. permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted the Plaintiff and asked her to give PP&L access to the basement even though they had her address and phone number. Plaintiff contacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them with access to the basement, and in that call or at any other time PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off the electricity. H. PP&L never shut off the electricity to the leased premises. IfPP&L threatened to cut off Defendant's electricity, it was because of his failure to pay his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L a requested security deposit. Plaintiff previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready access to the basement to read the meter; that they had lost or misplaced that key; and, that she gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her return from vacation and well prior to the end of the month.. DENIED. It is specifically denied that Defendant had previously contacted Plaintiff and ask her for a key to allow PP&L to read the meter. Defendant made no such calls or wrote to Plaintiff regarding this matter. DENIED. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff did not give PP&L access to the meter after repeated requests. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: Defendant vacated the leased premises while Plaintiff was away on vacation in order to avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was ow~'rdue as well as rent that would have become due thereafter until proper thirty days written notice was given as required by the lease. There was no reason for Defendant to terminate the Lease at any time, other than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty day written notice as required by the Lease, since Defendant's electricity was never shut off, and his termination and vacating of the leased premises occur well prior to the date he alleged PP&L would have terminated his electricity. C. Defendant was aware that Plaintiffwas returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 - l0 - 34. 35. (well before PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP&L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. Defendant never called Plaintiff on her cell phone even though instructions were left on her answering machine for him to do so in the event any matter needed to be handled during her absence. On April 5, 2003, Defendant left a message on her answering machine and was well aware her instructions to call her if necessary and nonetheless made no attempt to call her so that she could take action during her absence. Defendant was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted the Plaintiff and asked her to give PP&L access to the basement even though they had her address and phone number. Plaintiffcontacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them with access to the basement, and in that call or at any other time PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off the electricity. H. PP&L never shut off the electricity to the leased premises. IfPP&L threatened to cut off Defendant's electricity, it was because of his failure to pay his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L a requested security deposit. Plaintiff previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready access to the basement to read the meter; that they had lost or misplaced that key; and, that she gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her return from vacation and well prior to the end of the month. NO ANSWER REQUIRED. The averment in Paragraph 36 of Defendant's New Matter is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. By way of further Answer, it is averred that PP&L was given a replacement key and the electricity was never shut off, and therefore Defendant was never deprived of the beneficial use of the property so as to amount to a constructive eviction. DENIED. It is denied that Defendant was constructively evicted and had to leave the premises. By way of further answer it is averred that: - 3_3_ - Defendant vacated the leased premises while Plaintiff was away on vacation in order to avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would have become due thereafter until proper thirty days written notice was given as required by the lease. There was no reason for Defendant to terminate the Lease at any time, other than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty day written notice as required by the Lease, since Defendant's electricity was never shut off, and his termination and vacating of the leased premises occur well prior to the date he alleged PP&L would have terminated his electricity. Co Defendant was aware that Plaintiffwas returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 (well before PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP&L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. Defendant never called Plaintiffon her cell phone even though instructions were left on her answering machine for him to do so in the event any matter needed to be handled during her absence. On April 5, 2003, Defendant left a message on her answering machine and was well aware her instructions to call her if necessary and nonetheless made no attempt to call her so that she could take action during her absence. Defendant was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted the Plaintiff and asked her to give PP&L access to the basement even though they had her address and phone number. Plaintiff contacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them with access to the basement, and in that call or at any other time PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off the electricity. H. PP&L never shut off the electricity to the leased premises. IfPP&L threatened to cut off Defendant's electricity, it was because of his failure to pay his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L a requested security deposit. - 3_2 - 36. 37. Plaintiff previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready access to the basement to read the meter; that they had lost or misplaced that key; and, that she gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her return from vacation and well prior to the end of the month. NO ANSWER REQUIRED. The averment in Paragraph 36 of Defendant's New Matter is a conclusion of law to which no response is required. Ifa response is deemed to be required, it is averred that Plaintiff did provide Defendant with a habitable premises. DENIED. It is denied that Plaintiff failed to provide PP&L access to the electric meter, and it is further denied that the property became uninhabitable. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable: Court to enter judgement in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant in the amount of at least $7,804.77 together with costs of suit. Respectfully submitted, ---C~mp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 Attorney for Plaintiff - 3_3 - 18:24 DIANE G RADCL;FF VERIFICATION I verify tha~ Ge statements made in the foregoing Answ¢i' to New Matter are ~xue and correct. I anderstand that false statements llcrein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 490~,, relating to unswom falsification to authorities. Si-IARON CURL - 7 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, DIANE G. RADCLIFF, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that on September 30, 2003, I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Complaint upon Defendant's Attorney, by mailing same by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Daniel D. Wofley, Esquire Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Respectfully submitted, Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY ROBERT AUSTIN VS. SHARON CURL Plaintiff : NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM CIVIL ACTION - LAW Defendant : IN CONTRACT TO: Robert Austin Daniel D. Worley, Esquire Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 NOTICE TO PLEAD You are hereby notified to file a written response to the endorsed New Matter and Counterclai within 20 days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against you. Respectfully submitted, Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Cotlrt ID # 32112 Attorney for Defendant m IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY ROBERT AUSTIN VS. SHARON CURL Plaintiff Defendant NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN CONTRACT ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT WITH NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM AND NOW, this ~ I day of October, 2003, comes the Defendant, Sharon Curl, by her attom¢ Diane G. Radcliff, Esquire, and files this Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint with New Matter a] Counterclaim as follows: DEFENDANT'S ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT ADMITTED. It is admitted that the Plaintiff, Robert Austin, is an adult individual residi: at 79 Clay Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013. (Plaintiffis sometim herein referred to as "Austin".) o ADMITTED. It is admitted that the Defendant, Sharon Curl, is an adult individual residi: at 1000 A Otto Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 1705 (Defendant is sometimes herein referred to as "Curl".) ADMITTED. It is admitted that Curl is the owner of the real estate known as 11 South Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013. ADMITTED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is admitted that on or about Septembe 1998 Austin and Curl entered into a lease agreement regarding the basement apartment -2- lg lg 5. itt 11 South Pitt Street (herein referred to as "the Leased Premises"). By way of furth ~r Answer, it is averred that a tree and correct copy of the Lease (herein referred to as "ti te Lease") is attached hereto marked Exhibit "D-I" and made a part hereof. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is without knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 5 of Austin's Complaint that "( or about April 1, 2003 PP&L contacted Plaintiff and in~,Srmed him that his electricity wou be shut off at the end of the month because they could not read the meter and had se estimated bills for a year.", and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands pro thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of fUrther Answer, it is averred that Austin vacated the Leased Premises while Curl was away on vacation in order avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would ha become due thereafter until the proper thirty (30) day advance written notice terminate was given as required by the Lease. IO ~d )f 7e Austin never called Curl on her cell phone even though as of April 5, 2003, he w ~s aware of the instructions left on Curl's answering machine for him to call her on h er cell phone in the event any matter arose that needed to be handled during sr absence. -3- Austin was aware that Curl was returning from l~ter vacation on April 14, 2003 (w~ ~11 before PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP& L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. There was no reason for Austin to attempt to terminate the Lease at any time, otb :r than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty (30) day advance writt, :n notice as required by the Lease, since Austin's electricity was never shut off, and ~ is April 12, 2003 attempted termination of the ]Lease and vacating of the Leas,~d Premises was prior to the April 30, 2003 date he alleged PP&L threatened to terminate his electricity. Austin was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted Curl and asked that she give PP&L access to the baseme even though they had her address and phone nuraber. Curl contacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them wi access to the basement, and PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off electricity in that call nor at any other time. PP&L never shut offthe electricity to the Leased Premises. It is not PP&L polic) shut offa customer's electricity as the result of estimating of bills. IfPP&L threatened to cut offAustin's electricity, it was because of his failure to p~ his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L its requested security deposit. It is PP&I policy to shut off a customer's electricity due to non-payment and/or failure to pa) required security deposit. Curl previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to ha ready access to the basement to read the meter; PP&L lost or misplaced that key; an Curl gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her April 13,201 return from vacation and well prior to the April 30 2003 date Austin alleged PP& threatened to terminate his electricity. ADMITTED WITH FURTHER ANSWER AND CLARIFICATION. Subject to following clarification, it is admitted that Austin could not provide PP& L access to the m~ because he did not have a key. By way of further Answer and by way of clarificatio it is averred that: Austin had no right of access to the basement as lhe basement had not been leased him. -4- ts it ~h ;0 Ly ~e d, }3 L le tis )y Austin was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the electric meter. Curl had previously given a key to PP&L so as to permit them to have ready acce to the basement to read the meter, and as soon as she learned PP&L had lost the she provided them with a replacement key so that PP&L could read the meter at ti convenience. PP&L had Curl's telephone number and address and never contacted her to ask her 1 access to the basement in order to read the meter. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is denied that on April 4, 2003, Austin call Curl intending to ask her to let PP&L check the meter. On the contrary and by way further Answer it is averred that: ao The only time Austin ever called Curl was on April 5, 2003, four (4) days after t alleged call he received from PP&L. With respect to the averment as to Austin's intent in making this phone call, ss averment is denied as Curl is without knowledge or information as to the truth falsity of that averment set forth in Paragraph 7 of Austin's Complaint that "Plaint called Sharon Curl intending to ask her to let PP&L check the meter.", and sa averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case relevant. ADMITTED WITH FURTHERANSWERAND CLARIFICATION. It is admitted ti Curl's message on her answering machine indicated that she was away on vacation. By w: of further Answer and clarification, it is averred that: Curl's answering machine message also informed callers that if they needed to rea, her during her vacation for any reason whatsoever that required her attention, th, -5- as ss ~ir or ~d of le id id if at :h ~y should call her on her cell phone, which cell phone number was provided. Austin never called Curl on her cell phone during her vacation from April 1, 20 through April 13, 2003. Had Austin called Curl on her cell phone during the period April 1, 2003 throu April 13, 2003, Curl would have had the ability to correct the alleged situation PP&L during her absence. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is specifically denied that Austin, faced w: having his electricity being shut off, left a message for Curl stating that he was no lonE going to rent the property because his electricity was being shut off. On the contrary a~ by way of further Answer, it is averred that: Curl's answering machine message, which was heard by Austin on April 5, 2003, al informed callers that if they needed to reach her during her vacation for any reas whatsoever which required her attention, they should call her on her cell phone, whi cell phone number was provided. Austin never called Curl on her cell phone during her vacation from April 1, 20' through April 13, 2003. Had Austin called Curl on her cell phone during the period April 1, 2003 throu. April 13, 2003, Curl would have had the ability to correct the alleged situation wi PP&L during her absence. The only message left by Austin was on Curl's answering machine on April 5, 20£ which message was limited to a request for Curl to contact PP&L to allow them have access to the basement to read the meter. Irt that message, nor at any other fir did Austin ever informed curl that he was terminating the Lease. E. Austin vacated the Leased Premises while Curl was away on vacation in order -6- )3 ;h th th ~0 )n :h )3 ,~h th to Ko Lo avoid paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would ha become due thereafter until proper thirty (30) day advance written notice termination was given as required by the Lease. There was no reason for Austin to attempt to terminate the Lease at any time, otl~ than at the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty (30) day advance wri~ notice to terminate as required by the Lease, since Austin's electricity was never s off, and his April 12, 2003 attempted termination of the Lease and vacating oft Leased Premises was prior to the April 30, 2003 date he alleged PP&L threatened terminate his electricity. Austin was aware that Curl was returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 (w. before PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003), and she could have giv, PP&L access to the basement at that time, which in fact was done. /e :r :n ut ~e to Curl contacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them wi access to the basement, and PP&L made no mention of any threat to shut off electricity in that call nor at any other time. PP&L never shut off the electricity to the Leased Premises. It is not PP&L IfPP&L threatened to cut off Austin's electricity, it was because of his failure to -7- tS ~n :h Y PP&L never contacted Curl to ask that she give PP&L access to the basement ew though they had her address and phone number. Austin was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and w permitted to give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. Austin never called Curl on her cell phone even though as of April 5, 2003 he w ~s aware of the instructions were left on Curl's answering machine for him to call her ~,n her cell phone in the event any matter needed to be handled during her absence. 10. 11. 12. 13. his bill to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L a requested security deposit. It is PP&I policy to shut offa customer's electricity due to non-payment and/or failure to pa: required security deposit. Curl previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L so as to permit them to ha ready access to the basement to read the meter; PP&L lost or misplaced that key; a Curl gave them a replacement key to permit them access upon her return frc vacation and prior to the April 30, 2003 date Austin alleged PP&L threatened terminate his electricity. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is denied that on or about April 12, 20' Austin moved a few pieces of his personal property (the heavier items). By way of furth Answer, it is averred that April 12, 2003, Austin vacated the Leased Premises and remov all of his belongings with the exception of junk items which Curl reasonably believed he behind in Leased Premises for her disposal in accordance with the terms of the Lease. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averme set forth in Paragraph 11 of Austin's Complaint that "While moving the items, Plaim played music through is computer", and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl deman proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as'to the truth or falsity of the averm¢ set forth in Paragraph 13 of Austin's Complaint that "On or about April 12, 2003 Plaint checked his credit card statement over the internet with his computer located in apartment ", and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the t of this case, if relevant. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is without no knowledge or information to the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 13 of Austin's Complaint tk "Plaintiff began making the repairs to the apartment including putting the first layers drywall patch on a few blemishes on the walls.", and said averment is, therefore, denie Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answ{ -8- ~e )3 ~d ~ft nt nt ie al tS 14. 15. it is averred that the drywall repairs performed by Austin were inadequate and not done a workman like manner, and there were more than a few blemishes on the walls. ADMITTED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is admitted that repairs to drywall ta several applications to be done properly and include patching, sanding and painting, whi could not be completed in one day. By way of further' Answer, it is averred that: Austin vacated the Leased Premises on or about April 12, 2003, and due to t condition in which the Leased Premises were left in a filthy and damaged state repair and with junk strewn about the Leased Premises, and with his keys left on t kitchen counter, Austin indicated to Curl, in her reasonable belief, that he did ~ intend on returning to the Leased Premises for any reason whatsoever, includi: returning to complete the repairs that he started and performed in an unworkmanli manner. After wrongfully vacating the Leased Premises on April 12, 2003, Austin had no ri to return to the Leased Premises to do repairs or to clean the Leased Premises. No cleaning or repair materials or tools were four[d on the leased Premises at any ti after April 12, 2003. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is without knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 15 of Austin's Complaint that "t or about April 17, 2003 Plaintiff returned to the apartment with a few friends and cleanii materials to remove the rest of his property and clean the apartment before returning keys to Defendant. ", and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: Ao During the period between April 5, 2003 and April 17, 2003, Austin never contact, Curl to inform her that he was terminating the Lease and moving from the Leas, Premises. -9- in ce le ht le to )n ~e ~t ~d ~d 16. 17. 18. Austin never gave Curl the required thirty (210) day advance written notice terminate the Lease as set forth in and required by the terms of the Lease. When Austin vacated the Leased Premises, he left a key on the kitchen counter whi Curl reasonably thought was the key to the Leased Premises since her key did r work as Austin had changed the locks to the Leased Premises without Cut knowledge and consent. When Austin vacated the Leased Premises on April 12, 2003, he left it in a filthy damaged condition, and what repairs had been attempted by Austin prior to vacating the Leased Premises were not properly done and did not return the leas premises to the condition required by the terms of the lease. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averme that set forth in Paragraph 16 of Austin's Complaint that "On or about April 17, 20~ Plaintiff also intended to finish the repairs to the proper~y which he had previously started. and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this ca~ if relevant. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is specifically denied Austin had not vacat nor did he intend to vacate the property by April 17, 2003. On the contrary and by w of further Answer, it is averred that Austin vacated the property on or about April 12, 20' and intended to vacate the property on that date. His vacating of the Leased premises w witnessed by Curl's workman, Brian Barger, who saw Austin moving furniture, mattress~ bedding and numerous boxes and household items from the leased Premises and placi: them in one large moving van and one regular van. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is witl~tout knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 18 of Austin's Complaint "Plaintiff attempted to enter the apartment and discovered that his key no longer fit the do and that he looked in the window and discovered that his property was gone.", and sa averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, - 10- tO :h ot [~s is ~d nt :d ty )3 ~g to id if 19. 20. 21. relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that Curl changed to locks to the Leas Premises since Austin had vacated the Leased Premises without paying his last months re] and had to do so because Austin has changed the locks before without her knowledge a: consent, thereby denying her access to the Leased Premises as required under the terms the Lease. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as 'to the troth or falsity of the avermc set forth in Paragraph 19 of Austin's Complaint that "Plaintiff immediately contacted t Carlisle Police Department to attempt to recover his personal property, "and said averme] therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is without knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 20 of Austin's Complaint ti "Plaintiff called the Defendant from the police station and spoke with Randall Task~ Defendant's boyfriend, who advised Plaintiff that his personal property had been remov from the premises, thrown into the burn pit and burned. ", and said averment is, therefo] denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of furth Answer, it is averred that Austin spoke with Randall Tasker, Curl's significant other, W informed Austin that the items left behind at the time Austin vacated the Leased Premis~ and without prior notice to Curl, were junk and that he'. intended on disposing of the sar either by having them put in the dumpster or by burning them. ADMITTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It admitted that the property Curl removed from the Leased Premises included a comput, computer components and a television and keys to the Leased Premises which were left, the kitchen counter. It is denied that the television and computer were working, nor that C~ removed Austin's checkbook and financial information, or the items set forth in Austin's 1 attached Exhibit "A" to Austin's Complaint which were not set forth on Curl's list attach as Exhibit "B" to the Austin's Complaint. By way of flarther Answer, it is averred that A. The television, computer and scanner were not working. Be The keys to the Leased Premises were left on the kitchen counter thereby furtl~ indicating to Curl that Austin had vacated the I remises when Austin removed belongings and property on April 12, 2003. C. All of the remaining items were junk and of no value. -11- ~d >f nt [o ~r 1o le is ',r, )n .rl st ,~d ~r 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Curl was permitted to remove said items from the Leased Premises pursuant Paragraph 4 of the Lease which provides that Curl" may dispose of all oftenan property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tenc for the value received for the items disposed". ADMITTED WITH FURTHER ANSWER AND CLARIFICATION. It is admitted ti Austin contacted an attorney who in mm sent a letter to Curl, at the end of April, 20( demanding return of Austin's property or compensation for the value thereof. It is furtk admitted that a copy of the letter is attached and marked as Exhibit "C" to Austi~ Complaint. By way of further Answer and by way of clarification, it is averred that. June 27, 2003, the date of the District Judge's hearing, Austin's property was returned to h: in the same condition it was when received by Curl received it. ADMITTED. It is admitted that on or about the afternoon of June 26, 2003 Curl receiv a fax from Austin's attorney stating that the property would be returned. ADMITTED WITH FURTHER ANSWER AND CLARIFICATION. It is admitted ti on June 27, 2003, Curl returned the majority of Austin's property in the back of a pick truck. By way of further Answer and by way of clarification, it is averred that all Austin's property that Curl obtained when Austin vacated the Leased Premises was return to Austin on June 26, 2003. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is denied, that the items of Austin's prope~ were dirty, moldy, damp and had a foul smell. On the contrary and by way of furth Answer, it is averred that the property returned to Austin was in the same condition it w when received by Curl. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is specifically denied that the property return to Austin after storage in a barn for three (3) months was destroyed. On the contrary al by way of further Answer, it is averred that the property returned to Austin was in the sar condition it was when that property was received by Curl and that: A. The television, computer and scanner were not working when received by Curl. B. All of the remaining items were junk and of no value. C. Curl was permitted to remove said items from the Leased Premises pursuant - 12- to to nt at er [~S )n m ~d ~p of :d ty ~r as :d td le to 27. 28. 29. Paragraph 4 of the Lease which provides that Curl" may dispose o fall oftenan property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tenc for the value received for the items disposed". DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is denied that the property was returned Austin before he had an opportunity to inspect it. On the contrary and by way of furth Answer, it is averred that Austin was given the opportunity to inspect the items and declin to do so prior to the return to his home. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is witl~tout knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 28 of Austin's Complaint that "~ Plaintiff attempted to salvage his property from the bags returned to him by Defendant was accosted by a putrid stench and as he reached in the trash can he was horrified toff. a decomposing baby groundhog with maggots crawling from its carcass.", and said averme is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. By w of further Answer, it is averred that: Ao Curl and an assistant inventoried Austin's property immediately prior to delivery Austin and neither of them noticed any ground hog carcass. Even if Austin's said averment is true, it creates no liability on the part of Curl, in ti pursuant to Paragraph 4 of the Lease Curl was permitted to "dispose o fall of renan property remaining on the premises after tenant has vacated the premises and charge tenant for such removal costs and without any liability to account for tent for the value received for the items disposed". Curl only returned said items to Austin because he insisted on having them ev though she was under no obligation to return them to him. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is without knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 29 of Austin's Complaint ti "Included in the returnedproperty was rotten food (rotten lettuce, ketchup, mayonnaise) t~ was removed from the refrigerator and stored in the barn for three months.", and sa averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that Austin, by letter from his attorne demanded a return of all of his items, including the return of food goods, and Curl compli with his request, which return did not include lettuce. -13- to nt to ~r ~d to ts ~e td nt ty to at to nt ~n to at at id if Y, ~d 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. ADMITTED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is admitted that because Austin's Comc~ cable box was removed from the apartment and never returned to him, he was unable return it to Comcast. By way of further Answer, it is averred that Curl returned the cal~ box to Comcast. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averme set forth in Paragraph 31 of Austin's Complaint that "Comcast has continued to bill t Plaintiff for the box and service, a printout of which is attached to Plaintiff's Exhibit D a: the box is marked as AD J-OB(i).", and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl deman proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is witl~tout knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 32 of Austin's Complaint ti "Plaintiff has been unable to determine if the cable box has been returned by the Defend~ as of October 2, 2003. ", and said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof there at the trial of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that C~ returned the cable box to Comcast. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averme set forth in Paragraph 33 of Austin's Complaint that "As of October,, 2, 2003 Comcast h advised Plaintiff that the outstanding bill is being sent to collection. , and said averment therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trial of this case, if relevant. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. Curl is witl~tout knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 34 of Austin's Complaint ti "Plaintiff replaced the property after being tom it was destroyed. A copy of a receipt alo: with copies of estimated replacement costs for the computer equipment is attached a: marked Exhibit E." And said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof the trail of this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, Curl avers that: A. Austin was never advised that the property was destroyed. On June 27, 2003 Curl returned all of the property that Austin left in the Leas Premises when he vacated on April 12, 2003 in tl~te same condition it was upon Cur receipt. The property returned to Austin is set forth on Exhibit B attached to Austi~ Complaint. C. The items set forth on Exhibit A attached to Austin's Complaint that are not set fo~ - 14- st to le nt ie Js to at nt af .rl nt ~S S, to ~g ~d at ~d 35. 36. 37. 38. on Exhibit B attached to Austin's Complaint were not left in the Leased Premis when Austin vacated on April 12, 2003 and Curl did not obtain possession of st items at the time Austin vacated the Leased Premises. The items set forth on Exhibit E attached to Austin's Complaint do not represent in-kind replacement, and include computer items;, software and accessories that we not left in the Leased Premises when Austin vacated on April 12, 2003 and Curl C not obtain possession of said items at the time Austin vacated the Leased Premis~ DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER Curl is without knowledge or information as the truth or falsity of the averment set forth in Paragraph 35 of Austin's Complaint t[ "Plaintifflostpictures, personal and financial information stored on his computer. ", and st averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trail of this case, relevant. By way of further Answer, Curl avers that all of Austin's property was return to him; the computer had been fixed, and all financial information that had been on t computer, if any, was accessible to him upon the return of the computer. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is denied that Curl stated that the computer w given to a third party to determine if it worked. By way of further Answer, it is averred ti neither Curl nor her agents accessed, or attempted to access, the computer, and due to t condition in which the computer and Leased Premises were found, and upon finding ti some of the items were inoperable, it was determined that the computer did not work and ti Austin purposely left it behind as junk. DENIED. Curl is without knowledge or information as to the truth or falsity of the averme set forth in Paragraph 37 of Austin's Complaint that "Plaintiff believes and avers that t third party accessed the personal information contah~ed on Plaintiff's computer's ha drive." And said averment is, therefore, denied. Curl demands proof thereof at the trail this case, if relevant. By way of further Answer, it is averred that neither Curl nor ? agents accessed, or attempted to access, the computer, and due to the condition in which t computer and Leased Premises were found, and upon finding that some of the items we inoperable, it was determined that the computer did not work and that Austin purposely 1~ it behind as junk. DENIED WITH FURTHER ANSWER. It is specifically denied that Austin has sustain substantial financial damages exceeding $5,000 trying to recover and replace his wrongful converted property. By way of further Answer, it is averred that: -15- ~S tn re id to id if le ~ts at at nt ~e .d ~f er ~ft ,~d ly 39. Pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 4 of the Lease, Curl was permitted to dispe o fall of Austin's property remaining on the Leased Premises after Austin had vacat the Leased Premises on April 12, 2003, without any liability to Austin and to char Austin for such removal costs. Therefore, Curl has no liability to Austin as a res~ of the removal of Austin's property from the Leased Premises which he left behi: when he vacated the Leased Premises on April 12, 2003. On or about April 12, 2003, Austin removed the :majority of his property, leaving t Leased Premises in a filthy and damaged state, with junk items of no value strex about, and having the appearance of being abandoned. On June 27, 2003 Curl returned all of the property that Austin left in the Leas Premises when he vacated on April 12, 2003, in the same condition that property w upon Curl's receipt. The property returned to Austin is set forth on Exhibit B attach to Austin's Complaint and incorporated by reference hereto, which are the items ti Austin acknowledged at the District Justice hearing on June 27, 2003 were remov by Curl. The list of items set forth on Exhibit "A" attached to Austin's Complaint, a incorporated by reference hereto, includes items that are not set forth on Exhibit "] attached to Austin's Complaint, and incorporated by reference hereto. The items ti were not so included on Exhibit "B" were not left in the Leased Premises when Aus] vacated on April 12, 2003, and Curl did not obtain possession of said items at t time Austin vacated the Leased Premises. me The computer items set forth on Exhibit "E" attached to Austin's Complai] incorporated by reference hereto, do not represent an in-kind replacement of wi Austin claims was wrongfully converted. Said Exhibit"E" items include an upgrad computer, software and accessories that were not left in the Leased Premises wh Austin vacated on April 12, 2003 and Curl did not obtain possession of said items the time Austin vacated the Leased Premises. NO ANSWER REQUIRED. The averment set forth in Paragraph 39 of Austin's Complai that "the amount of Plaintiff'x damages falls in the range of compulsory arbitratio therefore, this matter should be referred to arbitration." is not an averment to whicl~ response required. - 16- se ;e tit td le 7n ~d id tt, at ~d ~n at nt WHEREFORE, Defendant, Sharon Curl, respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enl judgement in favor of Defendant and against Plaintiff plus costs of suit and attorney fees. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. DEFENDANT'S NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT Curl incorporates by reference the answers and averments set forth in Paragraph 1 throu 39 herein, the same as of fully set forth at length herein. Austin vacated the Leased Premises while Curl was away on vacation in order to aw paying the April, 2003 rent that was overdue as well as rent that would have become d thereafter until the proper thirty (30) day advance written notice to terminate was given required by the Lease. There was no reason for Austin to attempt to terminate the Lease at any time, other than the end of the term and upon giving the proper thirty (30) day advance written notice required by the Lease, since Austin's electricity was never shut off, and his April 12, 2¢ attempted termination of the Lease and vacating of the Leased Premises was prior to t April 30, 2003 date he alleged PP&L threatened to ten~inate his electricity. Austin was aware that Curl was returning from her vacation on April 14, 2003 (well befc PP&L's alleged shut off date of April 30, 2003) and could have given PP&L access to t basement at that time, which in fact was done. Curl's answering machine message, which was heard by Austin on April 5, 2003, inform callers that if they needed to reach her during her vacation for any reason whatsoever whi required her attention, they should call her on her cell plhone, which cell phone number w provided. Austin never called Curl on her cell phone even though as of April 5, 2003, he was aware the instructions left on Curl's answering machine for him to call her on her cell phone in t event any matter arose that needed to be handled during her absence. Had Austin called Curl on her cell phone during the period April 1, 2003 through April 2003, Curl would have had the ability to correct the alleged situation with PP&L during absence. - 17- ~h id le ts le ,~d :h tS ~f 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. Austin was aware that the tenant in Apt. #2 had a key to the basement and was permitted give access to PP&L for the purpose of reading the meter. PP&L never contacted Curl and asked that she give PP&L access to the basement ev though they had her address and phone number. Curl contacted PP&L on April 14, 2003 and made arrangements to provide them with acce to the basement, and PP&L made no mention of any tl'n;eat to shut off the electricity in tlc call nor at any other time. PP&L never shut offthe electricity to the Leased Premises and it is not their policy to sl~ off electricity as the result of the estimating of electric 'bills. IfPP&L threatened to cut offAustin's electricity, it was because of his failure to pay his b to PP&L and failure to pay PP&L its requested security deposit. It is PP&L's policy to sh off a customer's electricity due to non-payment and/or failure to pay a required securi deposit. Curl previously gave a key to the basement to PP&L :so as to permit them to have rea~ access to the basement to read the meter; PP&L lost or misplaced that key; and, Curl ga them a replacement key to permit them access upon her April 13, 2003 return from vacati~ and well prior to the April 30 2003 date Austin alleged PP&L threatened to terminate electricity. During the period between April 5, 2003 and April 17, 2003, Austin never contacted Curl inform her that he was terminating the Lease and moving from the Leased Premises. Austin never gave Curl the required thirty (30) day advance written notice to terminate Lease as set forth in and required by the terms of the Lease. When Austin vacated the Leased Premises, he left a key on the kitchen counter which Ct reasonably thought was the key to the Leased Premises since her key did not work as Aust had changed the locks to the Leased Premises without Curl's knowledge and consent. When Austin vacated the Leased Premises on April 12, 2003, he left it in a filthy a~ damaged condition, and what repairs had been attempted by Austin prior to his vacating ti Leased Premises were not properly done and did not return the leased premises to - 18- tO ~n ss tit ly ~e ~n is LO le rl in Ld ce ce condition required by the terms of the lease. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. Austin vacated the Leased Premises on or about April 12, 2003, and due to the condition which the Leased Premises were left in a filthy and damaged state of repair and with jm strewn about the Leased Premises, and with his key left on the kitchen counter, Aust indicated to Curl, in her reasonable belief, that he did not intend on returning to the Leas, Premises for any reason whatsoever, including returning to complete the repairs that l started and performed in an unworkmanlike manner. After wrongfully vacating the Leased Premises on April 12, 2003, Austin had no right return to the Leased Premises to do repairs or to clean the Leased Premises. No cleaning or repair materials or tools were found on the leased Premises at any time afl April 12, 2003. Austin to not return the Leased Premises to Curl in a proper condition as required by t Lease. Curl changed to locks to the Leased Premises since Austin had vacated the Leased Premis without paying his last months rent, and had to do so because Austin has changed the loc before without her knowledge and consent, thereby denying her access to the Leas. Premises as required under the terms of the Lease. The keys to the Leased Premises were left on the kitchen counter thereby further indicati] to Curl that Austin had vacated the Premises when Austin removed his belongings property on April 12, 2003. On or about April 12, 2003, Austin removed the majority of his property, leaving the Leas. Premises in a filthy and damaged state, with junk items of no value strewn about, and havi] the appearance of being abandoned. All of the items of personal property that Austin left behind in the Leased premises wh. Austin vacated it on April 12, 2003, were junk and of no value. Pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 4 of the Lease, Curl was permitted to dispose of: of Austin's property remaining on the Leased Premises after Austin had vacated the Leas. Premises on April 12, 2003, without any liability to Austin, and to charge Austin for su, removal costs. Therefore, Curl has no liability to Austin as a result of the removal - 19- in tk in :d le IO ~r le gS ~S :d tg td ,~d tg LI1 .~d :h ~f Austin's property from the Leased Premises which he left behind when he vacated Leased Premises on April 12, 2003. 66. On June 27, 2003 Curl returned all of the property that Austin left in the Leased Premi when he vacated on April 12, 2003, in the same condition that property was upon Cur] receipt. The property returned to Austin is set forth on Exhibit B attached to Austi~ Complaint and incorporated by reference hereto, which are the items that Aus! acknowledged at the District Justice hearing on June 2;7, 2003 were removed by Curl. 67. The list of items set forth on Exhibit "A" attached to Austin's Complaint, and incorporat, by reference hereto, includes items that are not set forth on Exhibit "B" attached to Austi~ Complaint, and incorporated by reference hereto, which Exhibit "B" represent the items t? Austin left behind in the Leased Premises when he vacated on April 12, 2003, and whi, Curl had temporary possession of from April 12, 2003 until June 27, 2003 when she return, them to Austin. The items that were not so included on Exhibit "B" were not left in t Leased Premises when Austin vacated on April 12, 2003, and Curl did not obtain possessi, of said items at the time Austin vacated the Leased Premises. 68. The computer items set forth on Exhibit"E" attached to Austin's Complaint, incorporated] reference hereto, do not represent an in-kind replacement of what Austin claims w wrongfully converted. Said Exhibit "E" items include an upgraded computer, software a] accessories that were not left in the Leased Premises when Austin vacated on April 12, 20~ and Curl did not obtain possession of said items at the time Austin vacated the Leas Premises. WHEREFORE, Defendant, Sharon Curl, respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enl judgement in favor of Defendant and against Plaintiff plus costs of suit and attorney fees. DEFENDANT'S COUNTERCLAIM 69. Curl incorporates by reference the answers and averments set forth in Paragraph I throu 68 herein, the same as of fully set forth at length herein. 70. On or about September 5, 1998, Curl and Austin entered into a lease agreement (her~ referred to as "the Lease" wherein Austin agreed to lease from Curl the basement apartme of 11 South Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013, (herein referred to as "the Leased Premises' - 20 - le 's in ~d :h ~d le ~n ~y td )3 ~d ~r ~h in 71. 72. A true and correct copy of the Lease is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "D-I" and made part hereof. On February 4, 1998, the aforesaid Lease converted to a month to month lease. The following are the pertinent provisions of the Lease: The rent in the original Lease was $320.00. Commencing with the month of ME 2001 the rent payable under the Lease increased to the rent of $350.00 per montl~ If the rent was not paid within 2 days of its due date (being by the 7th of the montl there was an one time late charge of $40.00 due and payable by Tenant. If the rent was not paid within 2 days of its due date (being by the 7th of the montl 0 there was an additional $4.50 per day late fee charge until the rent was paid due a~ d payable by Tenant. Do Tenant was required to give a thirty (30) day advance written notice of terminati{ ~n of the Lease before the end of the month, which notice was to be effective as oftl te end of the next month. Failure to give such notice or not completing the Lease Tern resulted in forfeiture of the security deposit. Tenant is to pay for any damages, carpet cleaning, general cleaning and all oth obligations under the Lease not covered by the security deposit; Go Landlord had the right to dispose of all of Tenant's property remaining on tlte premises after Tenant vacated the Leased Premises and to charge Tenant for su, :h removal without any liability to account to Tenant for the value received for the iter ~s disposed. Landlord may assess Tenant for all reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred l~y Landlord in enforcing Landlord's rights under the Lease, including but not limited to all attorneys fees and costs incurred by Landlord is securing Tenant's removal frcm -21 - Tenant was to restore the Leased Premises to the same good order and conditi~ ~n which it was at the time the Lease commenced., and if Tenant failed to do s ~, Landlord could restore the premises and collect the same from Tenant as additio~ al rent. 73. 74. 75. 76. the Leased Premises and in securing payment of all sums due Landlord under ti Lease, in which event tenant specifically agreed to pay such attorneys fees and cost Austin vacated the Leased Premises on or about April 12, 2003, without Curl with the thir (30) day advance written notice to terminate required hy the terms of the Lease, and sa written notice to terminate has never been given by Austin to Curl as of the date hereof. Austin failed to pay the rent for the months of April and ]Vlay, 2003 in the amount of $350.( per month for a total of $700.00, or any other month thereafter that may have become d~ and payable until the Lease was properly terminated in accordance with the terms of Lease. Austin failed to pay the late fees which as of October 15, 2003 were in the amount $4,473.50, due and owing under the Lease as set forth the in document entitled "Calculati( of Late Fees as of 10/15/03", a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto, mark~ Exhibit "D-2" and made a part hereof. Austin damaged the Leased Premises, the cost of repair of which is $1,850.27 as set for in the Invoices and Receipts attached hereto, collectively marked Exhibit "D-3" and ma~ a part hereof. 77. Austin breached the terms of the Lease in that: A. He failed to pay rent for the months of April and[ May of 2003; He failed to pay the late charges in the amount of $4,473.50 set forth in the docume entitled "Calculation of Late Fees", a true and correct copy of which is attach, hereto, marked Exhibit "D-2" and made a part hereof. He vacated the Leased Premises without giving the required thirty (30) day advan written notice to Curl; He failed to properly clean the Leased Premises upon vacating as required by Lease; He failed to restore the Leased Premises to the same condition as it was at commencement of the Lease and as repaired thereafter; - 22 - d 0 e te :h te ~t ~e le le Fe He damaged the Leased Premises the costs of repair of which is in the amount ~ $1,850.27, as set forth in the Invoices and Receipts attached hereto, collectivel marked Exhibit "D-3" and made a part hereof and failed to pay for such damages 78. Curl has incurred attorneys fees and costs !,n, the amount of $3,923.02 through October 1. 2003 as set forth in the document entitled Summary of Attorneys Fees and costs 5/2/01 10/10/03", a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "D-4" ar made a part hereof, and will incur additional attorneys fees through the conclusion of th case. Pursuant to the terms of the Lease, Austin is responsible for the payment of those fe~ and costs and claim is made therefor. 79. As the result of Austin's breach of the Lease, Austin owes Curl the amount of at lea $10,946.79 and costs of suit as set forth on the document marked "Calculation to Tot Amount Claimed by Landlord through 10/15/03" a true and correct copy of which is attach{ hereto, marked Exhibit "D-5" and made a part hereof. 80. ,f d This counterclaim has also been raised as a separate claim in the Cumberland County actk n docketed to No. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM, and is raised herein for purposes of consolidati~ g the two actions. A separate judgement is not requested in both actions. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enter judgement in fav of Plaintiff and against Defendant in the amount not less than $1.0,946.79, together and no more th~ the limits for compulsory arbitration, together with costs of suit. Respectfully submitted, Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 Attorney for ]Defendant, Sharon Curl - 23 - )r .n VERIFICATION I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint with Ne Matter and Counterclaim are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are mar subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to ~mswom falsification to authoriti¢ 'SHXRON Date: CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, DIANE G. RADCLIFF, ESQUIRE, hereby certify that on October o~'5~, 2003 1 serv~ a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint with New Matter ar Counterclaim upon Plaintiff's Attorney, by mailing same by first class mail, postage prepai addressed as follows: Daniel D. Worley, Esquire Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Respectfully submitted, a nlm ESQU Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 Attorney for Defendant, Sharon Curl EXHIBIT D-1 LEASE R__ESIDENTI2LL LEASE AGREEMENT between ~haror Curl, as agent for Landlord (hereafter "Land]_ord") and ~obert Am~t~n and Robin B~u-{[[ (hereafter "Tenant"). Parties agree as AGREFI4ENT TO LEASE. Landlord ~grees to rent 'to Tenant and Tenant agrees to rent from Landlord, 'the property known as Apt. 6, ]1 $. Pitt ..'.5.'~reet, Carlisle, PA 17013 consisting of a one bedroom apartment. The lease 'term will begin on September ~, 1998 and ends on February ~, 1999. _RENT. Tenant shall pay to Landlord weekly rental payments of $85.00 pe week due on every Friday' of each week or Tenant may make monthly rent payments of $320.00 per' month due in advance on the 4th day of each month for a total lease payment of $2,040.00. (Post-dated checks will not be cuep~2ed). First week's rent of $85.00 is due on 9/4/98 and Security deposit of $320.00 is due on 9/4/98. If Tenant does not move into apartment by 9/8/98 and/or does not honor lease then lease is termJ, nated without further notice and first week's rent and security deposit shall b forfeited as damages and for costs 'to re-rent premises. Rent shall be pa~ by Tenant to Landlord at: _Sharon Curl, 1000A Otto Drive, Mechanicsburc, 17055 Phone No. 691-8634. - LATE PAYMENTS. If Tenant/does not pay any monthly rental payment within two (2) days following the date it is due then ad0itional charge of $40 shall be charged to Tenant. If rent remains unpaid after two days, hhen a fee of $4.50 per day will be charged beginning on the 3rd day. Payment of rent shall be deemed to occur upon Landlord, s receil~t and not on date rent is mailed, rena~ t must mai3_ rent in ~ff~z, lent 'time to be received by due ..date. Any 3_ate payments will be made part of Tenant's rent payment history. RETURNED CHECKS. Tenant shall be charged $25.00 for each check that is returned to Landlord for lack of sufficient funds or any other reason. Check must be made good within 48 hours after Tenart is notlft= will not r~d~=~osi~ .......... . ', 'ed. Landlor l--~-, .... ~ ? i ~-~urneu checks. Returned checks will be~c~ ~' - It} ]enL. aIl(l no a~.scounh for that month ~=~ ~-,~ ~-,-. -~ -~ ~o}dezed z']gl[t-te re u' ~= : ' ~=~ ~u= uu~en. Larl~iorQ nas the '---'.. ~q zr_ tenant to pay future rent b ce -' ' er baak cashier's check jf m~.~ ~,. y rtl.filed check, money order lease term. - ~-. ~nan one rent check bounces during the R~_~N~WAL 'i'EP~IS. After after above term expires, hhis Lease Agreement renews automahioally for 30 day intervals until 30 days written notice is givea by eith'er party or a new lease is isssued. No lease will go month-to-month, afte~ September 1. Failure to cive a 30 day w~-itten no~ice or not completing the lease term will result in forfeiture of the security deposit. The 30 day written termination notice must be given on or bel ore the end of the 30 day rental period and will be effective ~o terminate this agreement as of the cad of the following 30 day rental period. Tenant may renew this Agreement for one year and at the prevailing market rent for the property. The rental payments shall not be reduced or prorated if Tenant vacates (leaves) the premises prior to the end of the lease term, or if Tenant leawes in the middle of any lease month occurring after termination of this lease~ unless Landlord agrees to such reduction. HOLDOVER. If Tenant does not vacate 'the leased property at the end the lease, or earlier termination thereof, Tenant shall be required to Landlord for occupancy of the premises, the amount of $420.00 per month' until Tenant vacates and surrenders the property to Landlord. This occupancy charge and the Landlord's acceptance of payment thereof, shal[ not constitute a renewal of this lease, but rather is the charge to be I~=~ant to Landlord els the .result of Tenant's wrongful holdover. by -~ SECURITy DEPOSIT. Tenant shall pay Landlord a security deposit of $320.00. This security deposit is made to cover cleaning of premises u} termination of this lease at an agreed upon price of $125 (refundable at discretion of Landlord) and any damages to the premises occarring during Tenant's occupancy. It is not to be used by Tenant as payment of any re In the event this lease term is longer than 'two (2} years or in the even the Tenant rightfully occupies the leased premisas in excess of two (2) years, at the end of the second lease year Landlord shall be required to pay Tenant interest on the security deposit at the rate of four (4%) per'cent pet' year commencing on the first day of the third year Tenant occupies the premises with Landlord's consent. A two (2%) percent per y( administration fee, which adminstration fee shall be paid to and retaine( by landlord. This results in Tenant receiving interest on 'the security deposit of two (2%) percent per year. Tenant hereby waives any right to greater interest rate and all rights to require Landlord to deposit fund. into an interest bearing account. RET~/~N' OF SECURITY D · ' EPOSIT. Within thirty (30) days of Tenant vaeaktng the property and surrendering all keys to Landlord and Tenant providing Landlord with written notice of Tenant's new address, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a written list of all damages (if any) to the proper'ty and the estimated costs of repair and shall refund to Tenant the difference between the security deposit minus the cleaning fee of $125 (i~ necessary) minus the estimate repair costs for damages; however, Landlor¢ .shall not be required to refund any such excess if any rents or utilities remain oatstanding as of. the date said refund is due. In which event Landlord shall be entitled to apply this excess to any outstanding rent or utilities. Landlord's obligations under th~s paragraph are conditioned ~f )ay ,aid ar 2 Tcnsmt's/nifi~s ~ .?A upon Tenant providing Landlord written notification of Tenant's new address. OCCUPANTS. The only persons ti~e Tenant and no other p~rty. (2 occupants only) No additional occupan' are permitted. For the purpose of this paragraph, additional occupant i considered to be any individual residing at the leased premises for more than 2 days. In such case, an additional charge of $15 per week per occnpant will be charged and paid by Tenant. allowed to occupy the leased property ar~ DELIVERY OF PREMISES. Tenant has examined the premises, including appliances, fixtures, carpets, drapes and paint and have found them to b~ in good, safe and clean condition and repair. Tenant is leasing premise~ in its present condition. Landlord being under no duty to make improvements or al'rotations hereafter. Ail imperfections in 'the premise~ are set forth on a .listing attached to this lease. This listing is acknowledged by Landlord and Tenant and is attached for the sole purpose listing i~erfections only -pr'lot to beginning of Tenant's occupancy ~nd for determining any damages to the premises caused by Tenant during this ~ease. Tenant shall not be responsible for any imperfection set forth on this list, but shall be responsible for any defects or damages not incluc on this list. USE OF PREMISES.~h~o leased property will only be used by Tenant. as a residence. No commercial achJv-i, ties are permitted. Tenant will not ecc..~ the leased premises in any other name or for any other purpose than called for in the lease and J.n addition agrees that 'the premises sha~.~' ' ' no be occupied by more than one family. UTILITIES. Tenant shall pay for the following utilities: electric, heat, ~elephone, tv cable and trash. Landlord will pay water, sewer and hot water. During the term of this il_ease Tenant shall: TE~NT OBLIGATIONS. Pay all rent and all other charges her'e-hn provided when due. Acceptance of any late payments by Landlord shall not excuse Tenant from being required to make future payments on time ant shall not be a waiver Landlord's rights and remedies. - }<oep the property clean and free from dirt or other refuse; replace alii broken glass windows or doors; and otherwise keep the propertI in good maintenance and repair, in the same condition it was at the beginning of this ].ease, ordinary wear and tear and damage by accidental ~f ed fire or other c~sual}y not occurring through Tenant's negligence excepted. If premises needs repainted at end of tenant's occupancy then co~t of painhing will be deducted from security deposit. Holes from pictures, shelving, ehc must he patched, sanded and repainted by Tenant. - Not permit any pets or other animals on the leased premises exoep as listed below; to keep the property and l~w~ ~ree from any fleas, ticks animal feces; and to repair any damage to the property caused by said pe~ or animals. PERMITTED PET(S): None - Use every reasonable precaution against fire. Smoke detectors a~ in proper working order on beginning date of this lease agreement. Tenanl is responsible for maintaining the smoke detectors and keeping them in working order at all times thereafter. - Not make or permit any disturbing noises by Tenant or members of hhe family or visltors or do or permit anything to be done that would disturb or interfere with the rights and convenience of other' tenants or neighbors ho the leased premises. - Comply with the requ'hrements of all public and governmental authorities including but not limited to Federal., State and Local governmental /.aw, regulations and ordinances applicable to Tenant's use of hhe ].eased property and to pay all penalties, fines costs or damages resulting from Tenant's failure to comply with any law, regulation or ordinanoe. - After 14 days, be responsible for the first $20 of any repai to faucets, toilets, broken locks, cabinetry, door]{nobs, etc. - Be responsible for repairs to all appliances from beginning date lease when due to tenant neglect or abuse. - Keep all drain pipes open and to pay the costs of cleaning waste from them and keep all water supply llnes from freezing and to pay all costs arising out of frozen pipes, including but not limited to damages resulting from frozen pipe breakage. - Keep all heat set at no less than 55 degrees between December 1 and March 30 and to ufilize the heating systems in 'the leased premises and not use alternative heating systems. Kerosene and space heaters are not perr~itted. Any heating cost estimates given are only estimates and due to variations in l'ena~}t habits, cost of fuel and the weather, not guarantee ~hat costs wii1 be same as estimates. Landlord does obtain renter's insurance and ]provide proof of p~z'ohase to Landlord P~nanc further agrees to maintain the policy throughout the duration tenancy, and to furnish proof of insurance on a semi-annual basis. Within seven days of the signing of this agreement, Tenant ~ill of the Pay for any damages, carpet cleaning, general cleaning and all other obligations under this lease riot covered by the security deposit. - Be responsible for the cost of treatment of the premises [and adjeiaiag premises if nececessary] for the extermination ef roaches, fle~ or any other insect brought into the property by Tenant. Landlord will n~ treat ants, spiders, etc. Have no water beds on the premises. Not assign~ mortgage o~ pledge this lease or underlet or subleae the leased premises er any part thereof, or permit any other person, fir~ or corporation 'to occupy the premises or any part thereof. If the Tenant becomes embarrassed or insolvent, or makes assignment for the benefit of creditors, or if a petition in bankruptcy is filed by or against the Tena or a bill in equity or other proceeding for the appointment of a receiver for 'the Tenant is filed, or if proceeding for reorganization or for composition with creditors under any State or Federal laws be instituted or against Tenant, or if the real or personal property of Tenant shall be sold or levied upon by any Sheriff, Marshall or Constable, the same shall be a violation of this paragraph. Have all carpets professionally steam-cleaned and deodorized upon leaving the premises and to furnish Landlord with a paid receipt. Use of rental cleaners or personally owned eleaning units is not permitted and will not be considered professionally cleaned. If Tenant fails to steam clean carpets upon leaving, Landlord may do so and deduct the costs from the security deposit. Not make any alterations, improvements or additions to the leased property. Ail alterations, additions or fixtures, where installed before or after the execution of this lease, shall remain upon the premises at th expiration or sooner termination of this lease and become the property of Landlord, unless Landlord, prior to the termination of lease, gives writte notice 'to Tenent to remove the same. In which event, Tenant will remove such alterations, improvements and additions and restore the premises to ~S the same gc. od o~[der and condition at which they are now. .If Tenant fai~s to do so, Landlord may do so, collecting at Landlord's option, 'the costs and expense t?..ereef from Tenant as additional rent. - Be responsible for removal of snow and/or ice on steps into apartment and in front of apartment door. Not remove, or attempt to re~nove Tenant's goods or property from premises without having first paid and satisfied Laadlord for all rent which may become due during the entire term of tlhis lease. - Not do or allow to be done any act, matter or 'thing objectionabl. to the fire insurance company whereby the fire insurance or other insura: shall become void or suspended or rate increased.. Comply will all future reasonable rules and regulations which Landlord may' hereafter institute. - Be responsible and agrees to relieve Lane[lord from any liability for any injury er damage to any person(s) or property on or in the tease¢ premises {including basement, attic, garage, shed, otc). The foregoing shall include but not be limited to injury and damage resulting from any fire or other casualty, accident or existing condition (radon, lead paint asbestos, if ally); breakage, or lea]cage from plumbing, water, rain, ice snow, accumu].atien of water, snow or ice whether said damage or injury is caused by the negligence of La~ldlord or Tenant er any other person whomsoever, oz' an act of God. - Tenant understands that Landlord does not warranty that basement, crawl space, garage, storage shed, etc. are dry nor does Landlord warrant' · that such areas will remain dry. Landlord does not assume any responsibility for any costs of water extraction from 'these areas nor is Laadlord responsJ_b!e for damages to Tenant's belongings or injury to any person(s) thereof. Tenant has been made aware thet basement has gotten water in when outside street floods during heavy rains. Landlord has installed waterproofing system, but cannot guarantee basement will stay d should system fail. LANDLORD RIGHTS AND R~DIE~,.' ~'_ and remedies: Landlord shall have the following right 1. Inspect the premises at reasonable hours upon 24 hours oral lio'tification to Tenant. However, in the case of any emergency or other unusual circumstance, no notification shall be required. 2. premises and to show property to prospective tenants or buyers reasonable times upon 24 hours advance oral notice to tenant. licensed real estate agent. Display a "For Rent" or "For Sale" sign or both at an~ time on at Owner is ~ 3. Declare ~ ~-- ?~na~t to be in default of this lease upon the occurrenc of any ef the following events: term. a) Tenant fails to pay the rent within (4) days of its due date. b) Tenant fails to vacate the premises at the end of the lease c) Tenant fails to compl, y with any other of Tenant's obligations uader this lease, which default remains unremedied with five (5) days of its occurrence. d) Tenant becomes insolvent making an assignment for the benefit creditors; becoming the debtor on any bankruptcy proceeding, voluntarily involuntarily; having a judgment entered against Tenant which remains unpaid for a period in excess of 30 days. LANDLORD'S REMEDIES. If Tenant defaults for any reasons specified in the previous paragraphs, Landlord shall have the following remedies: 1. Declare the entire rent reserved for the full term of this leas~ to become immediately due and payable and collectible. 2. Terminate the lease and to enter upon and repossess the leased property without being considered a trespasser. 3. Evict the Tenant from the ].eased premises upon providing the Tenant with a Five (5) Day Notice to Quit. The Tenant waives all other notices er any longer notification period that may otherwise be required virtue of any law, including but not limited to the Landlord Tenant Law o Pennsylvania. 4. Dispose of all of 'the Tenant's property uemaining on the premise after Tenant has vacated the premises and to charge Tenant for such remov cost and without any liability to account to Tenant for the value receive, for the items disposed. ~y 5. Collec[ all' sums due Landlord under' this lease ih any' manner l:)rovicied by law. under khis ]_ease and I;he amount ef any damages that Landlord suffers as result of Tenant's breach of lease and 'to secure judgment agaiast Tenant for any excess damages not covered by security deposit. Offset against Tenant's security deposit: any amounts due Landlord he 7. Confess judgment against Tenant for any amounts owed by Tenant t Landlord under this lease in which event Tenant authorizes the Prothonot~ or any attorney to appear for and confess judgment against Tenant and in favor of Landlord for the whole amount of the rent and other sums that ar due, together with an attorney's con~ission of 20% and costs of suit. 8. Confess judgment against Tenant in an a~nJ. cable action of ejectment in which event the Tenant hereby authorizes the Prothonotary oz' any attorney of record to appear for and to confess judgment in ejectment against Tenant and in favor of Landlord and to direct the immediate issuance of a writ of possession, all without notice or leave of court an waving al/. irregularities. 9. Assess Tenant all. reasonable'attorneys fees and costs incurred bi Landlord in enforcing Landlord's rights under this lease, including but n, limited to all attorney's fees and costs incurred by landlord in securing Tenant's removal from the leased property and in securing payment of all sums due Landlord under this lease, in which event tenant specifically agrees to pay such attorney fees and costs. MI S CELI~/~EOUS PROVI SION,~ . If it :is determined that tile Tenant's use of the leased property not permJ, tted under law, rule or regulation, then this lease shall terminate and Tenant shall immediately vacate the premises. - All rights and liabilities herein.set forth shall extend to and bind the parties (or in the event this agreement is signed by Landlord's agent, this agreement shall instead bind 'the Landlord), their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. If there is more than one Tenant, each shall be bound by this agreement jointly and individually. The word Tenant and Landlord shall mean ail Tenants and all Landlords, in spite of the singular form of these words used. Any notioe required or permitted by this lease or any other law, i rule or regulation geverning this lease, shall be deemed to have been giiven to all Tenants or Landlords if given to any one Tenant or Landlord. : - Tenant has been provided with '/he pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and has .signed the Disclosure of Information Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead Based Paint Hazards form(which is attached lease agreement). As stated by the EPA, properties built prier to 1978 may contain lead paint. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord is under ao ebligation to have the property inspected or tested fez' purposes ef determining the presence of lead-based paint oz' lead-based paint hazards to provide Tenant with the opportunity to condact such an inspection er testing. Penant is therefore leasing the properEy in "as is" condition. ~enan'. agrees and understands that with their signature on the lease agreement, Tenant is authorizing Landlord to release information o~ Tenant's rental history whe~ Landlord is used by Tenant as a reference. - This lease shall inclLude all attachments hereto signed by beth Landlord and lenant, including but not limited te the listing of defects the premises. If such listing is not attached, it shall be deemed to mes that there are no current defects. Tenant acknowledges that this agreement is a binding legal docume and that Tenant has been provided the opportunity to read and review 'this document prior to signing it and that it is entered into by Tenant volLuntarily and willinglv. Tenant further acknowledges that there are no blanks in 'this agreement-that have not been filled in as of the time Tena signed this agreement and this fully and completely sets forth the entire understanding and agre~aent of the parties. ~tachments to Lead-.Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards Disclosure _~/Landlord/Tenant Checklist _./ Radon Disclosure Form '~/Asbestos Disclosure Form ~f ~t IN WITNESS WHERgOF, the parties, each intending to be' lega'lly bound hereby, have hereunto set their hands and seals. ~ITNESS / i/ / LANDLORD EXHIBIT D-2 CALCULATION OF LATE FEES AS OF 10/15/03 CURL VS. AUSTIN[ CALCULATION OF LATE FEES AS OF 10/15/03 Date Rent Due Date Rent Paid I # of Days after 7th 40.00 Late $4.50 per Date Total Charge 4/5/99 4/14/99 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 5/5/99 5/8/99 1 $40.00 $4.50 $44.50 6/5/99 6/14/99 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 7/5/99 7/9/99 2 $40.00 $9.00 $49.00 8/5/99 8/10/99 3 $40.00 $13.50 $53.50 11/5/99 11/15/99 8 $40.00 $36.00 $76.00 12/5/99 12/13/99 6 $40.00 $27.00 $67.00 1/5/00 1/26/00 19 $40.00 $85.50 $125.50 3/5/00 3/22/00 15 $40.00 $67.50 $107.50 4/5/00 4/18/00 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 5/5/00 5/16/00 9 $40.00 $40.50 $80.50 6/5/00 6/17/00 10 $40.00 $45.00 $85.00 8/5/00 8/18/00 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 9/5/00 9/18/00 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 10/5/00 10/14/00 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 12/5/00 12/23/00 16 $40.00 $72.00 $112.00 1/5/01 1/29/00 22 $40.00 $99.00 $139.00 3/5/01 3/19/01 12 $40.00 $54.00 $94.00 5/5/01 5/8/01 1 $40.00 $4.50 $44.50 7/5/01 7/9/01 2 $40.00 $9.00 $49.00 9/5/01 9/27/01 20 $40.00 $90.00 $130.00 12/5/01 12/18/01 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 1/5/02 1/15/02 8 $40.00 $36.00 $76.00 2/5/02 2/13/02 6 $40.00 $27.00 $67.00 3/5/02 3/15/02 8 $40.00 $36.00 $76.00 5/5/02 5/17/02 10 $40.00 $45.00 $85.00 6/5/02 6/18/02 11 $40.00 $49.50 $89.50 7/5/02 7/10/02 3 $40.00 $13.50 $53.50 Date Rent Due Date Rent Paid # of Days after 7th 40.00 Late $4.50 per Date Total Charge 8/5/02 8/14/02 7 $40.00 $31.50 $71.50 10/5/02 10/23/02 16 $40.00 $72.00 $112.00 i/5/03 1/13/03 6 $40.00 $27.00 $67.oo 2/5/03 3/3/03 24 *40.00 ,i08.00 $148.00 3/5/03 3/28/03 21 $40.00 $94.50 $134.5o 4/5/03 Not Paid 191~ $40.00 $859.50 $899.50 5/5/03 Not Paid 1612 $40.00 $724.50 $764.50 Totals $1.400.00 $3.073.50 $4.473.50 ~The number of days have been calculated through October 15, 2003. Additional late fees are due and payable after that date until date of payment. 2The number of days have been calculated through October 15, 2003. Additional late fees are due and payable after that date until date of payment. EXHIBIT D-3 INVOICES AND RECEIPTS David L. Sheaffer - Carpets 586 East Canal,Road Hershey, Fa. 17033 (717) 533-6190 INVOICE ESTIMATE NO: t'12t DATE: 04/26/2003 To: Sharon Curl Tasker 1000 A Otto Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 For: '11 S. Pitt Street: Apt. 6 Carlisle, PA TERMS QUANTITY 62.67sq. yds. 82.87sq. yds. DESCRIPTION ~emoval of existing glue down carpet, scrape up 62.67 square yards nstallation of customer's carpet, direct glue down @ ;arpet of this quality had a life of expectancy of 10 yrs but was removed due to damage by burns and stains UNIT PRICE AMOUNT $2.25/sq. yd. $141.00 $4.05/sq. yd. $254.01 Any alterations or Deviations from the above Specifications Sub Total $ 395.01 Will be executed only upon written order, and will become an Extra charge over and above this estimate Total $ 395.01 i'HE ABOVE PRICES, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS ARE SATISFACTORY AND ARE HERBY ACCEPTED.YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO THE WORK AS SPECIFIED. PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE UPON 3OMPLETION OF WORK. SIGNATURE ;)ATE SIGNATURE DaviH L. Sheaffer - Carpets 586 East Canal, Road Hershey, Pa. 17033 (H & F) (717) 533-6190 (C) (717) 319-9490 ESTIMATE ESTIMATE NO: 1421 DATE: 06 May 03 To: Sharon Curl Tasker 1000 A Otto Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 For: 11 S. Pitt Street Apt, 6 Carlisle, PA SALESPERSON P.O. NUMBER DATE SHIPPED SHIPPED VIA F.O.B. POINT TERMS Dave Sheaffer 05/05/2003 QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 12x9 1'his quote is for replacement of vinyl kitchen flooring due to bum holes and cuts in existing floodng. This price includes removal of existing /inyl flooring and costs to replace floodng, including installation of new ]oodng. Removal of existing vinyl flooring and prep and patch work: New vinyl floodng: 12 square yards @ $9.99/yard nstallation cost: $122.00 $119.88 $120.00 Any alterations or Deviations from the above Specifications Will be executed only upon written order, and will become an Extra charge over and above this estimate Sub Total Total $ 361.88 $ 361.88 THE ABOVE PRICES, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS ARE SATISFACTORY AND ARE HERBY ACCEPTED.YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO THE WORK AS SPECIFIED. PAYMENTS WiLL BE MADE UPON COMPLETION OF WORK. SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATURE PROSOURCE OF HARRISBURG 7985 GRAYSON ROAD HARRISBURG, PA 17111 Telephone: 717-558-9014 Fax: 717-558-9325 ACKNOWLEDGMENT TASKER, RANDALL RANDALL J TASKER 1000A OTTO DRIVE MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055- Telephone: 717-691-8634 TASKER, RANDALL 1000A OTTO DRIVi-- MECHANICSBURG, 04/21/03 Style/Item Color/Description Size Quantity Units Price Total DELTA 26 DELTA 26 FREIGHT 021 NATURAL GRAIN 12X29.5 39.33 SY 4.99 196.26 021 NATURAL GRAIN 15X14.5 24.17 oY 4.99 120.61 ........ 1.00 FA 10.00 10.00 - 04/21/03 3:54PM - Sales Consultant(s): LARRY WEADER Signature: Materiah Service: Sales Tax: INVOICE TOTAL: Less Payment(s): BALANCE DUE: 316.87 10.00 19.61 $346.48 0.00 $346.48 CAROL NEWKUM 6103 NASSAU ROAD HARRXSBURG, PA 17112 [ 3OB ZNVOXCE I Work ~ Signature - Carol IVew£um JOE PIERICH 7662 Appleby Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17112 s CT STOM Voe.¢ 0 ~OB~ TOO carpentry · roofing ° siding ° and more PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO STREET CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE Phone 469-0003 ~t~ ~t'nlJnnt~ hereby to furnish material and labor - complete in accordance with above specifications, for the sum of: For a total cash price of $ ,5 ~ Ci, ~ C~ Down Payment $ Balance $ Authorized /'/-~ n - withdrawn b'/ US if not accepted within J~rrep~mu't of ~ropnsnl - Th, ,ho~ proc;,. Aoeciflca- lions and conditions are satisfactory and are hereby accepted. You are authorized lo do the work as specified. Payment will be made as out- lined above. Date of Acceptance: ca~bonless ~Adams NC2583 2 PART STATEMENT N0. DATE: IAMOUNT REMITTEDI DETACH AND MAIL WITH YOUR REMI3q'ANCE. YOUR CANCELLED CHECK IS YOUR RECEIPT. PREVIOUS BALANCE · · ,3~L~r33, o~ =~ STATEMENT Thank YOU NC2583 Li,:~i' i, :5 ¢7' 1,00 (JREET]NG CRR5 0,50 S 077054200106-~ 1 O0 6REE1)NU CR~I] 0 50 S 077.5q25010,-~ Ol~28~09ZzSy.L?'--" SUBI'OTRL ~j $9.00 SI'RTE I'RX $0.54 I'OTFIL $9,54 C¢ISH $10.00 CHRNGE $0.46 ITEHS 8 200S..04-25 I0:U9.16 h421 !);' ~th8 T~ME t'.; HIIi!I f SRVE BOIH RI OUILFIR GLNEF, RL! EXHIBIT D-4 SUMMARY OF ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS 5/2/03-10/10/03 DATE DESCRIPTION HOURS RAT! AMOUNT 8/21/03 Prepare and File Amended Notice of 0.30 $175.00 $52.50 Appeal 8/25/03 2 letters to Attorney Worley 0.20 $175.00 $35.00 8/25/03 Certified Mail Fee for Amended $13.26 Notice of Appeal 9/8/03 Prepare Answer to Motion to Quash 1.50 $175.00 $262.50 Appeal 9/9/03 File Answer to Motion to Quash at 0.30 $195.00 $58.50 Prothonotary's office 9/9/03 letter to Attorney Worley 0.10 $195.00 $19.50 9/10/03 Prepare and file Motion to set aside 1.50 $195.00 $292.50 Rule Absolute 9/10/03 letter to Attorney Worley 0.10 $195.00 $19.50 9/26/03 Prepare Answer and New Matter 1.50 $195.00 $292.50 9/26/03 9/26/03 letter to client 0.20 $195.00 $39.00 9/26/03 TC with client 0.20 $195.00 $39.00 9/26/03 letter to Attorney Worley 0.20 $195.00 $39.00 9/26/03 RR 9/22/03 Order denying Motion to 0.10 $195.00 $19.50 Quash 9/26/03 Letter to client 0.20 $195.00 $39.00 9/26/03 Prepare 237.4 Notice 0.213, $195.00 $39.00 9/26/03 Letter to client 0.20 $195.00 $39.00 9/27/03 Revise Answer to New Matter 0.30 $195.00 $58.50 9/27/03 Letter to client 0.10 $195.00 $19.50 2 CALCULATION TO TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED BY LANDLORD CURL VS. AUSTIN CALCULATION OF TOTAL AMOUNTS CLAIMED BY LANDLORD Description April 2003 Rent May 2003 Rent Rent Late Fees and Penalties 4/5/99-10/15/03 Invoice #1 David Sheaffer Carpets Invoice #2 David Sheaffer Carpets Invoice #3 Prosource Invoice #4 Carol Newkum Invoice # 5 Joe's Custom Work Invoice #6 Brian Barger Invoice # 7 Castles Lumber Invoice #8 Dollar General Attorneys Fees Totals Rent Amounts $350.O0 $350.00 $700.00 Late Fee Amount $4,473.50 $4,473.50 Damage Amount $395.01 $361.88 $2;46.48 $1~31.75 $330.00 $;88.00 $190.79 $6.36 $1,850.27 Attorneys Fees $3,923.02 $717.54 Total Amount $350.00 $350.00 $4,473.5( $395.01 $361.88 $346.48 $131.75 $88.00 $190.7! $6.36 $3,923.( $10,946. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHARON CURL Plaintiff NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM VS. ROBERT AUSTIN Defendant : CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN CONTRACT TO THE PROTHONTOARY: Please mark the above referenced action settled, satisfied, and discontinued. Respectfully submitted, Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: (717) 737-0100 Fax: (717) 975-0697 Supreme Court ID # 32112 Attorney for Plaintiff DANIEL D. WORLEY, ESQLffRE 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Phone: (717) 245-9688 Fax: (717) 245-2165 Supreme Court ID # ~929 Attorney for Defendant - i - IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ROBERT R. AUSTIN, Plaintiff Defendant SHARONCURL, NO. 03-3570 CIVIL ACTION - LAW DISTRICT JUSTICE APPEAL and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA SHARONCURL VS. ROBERT AUSTIN Plaintiff Defendant NO. 03-3676 CIVIL TERM CIVIL ACTION - LAW IN CONTRACT MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE THIS MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE is made and executed by Sharon Curl of 1000-A Otto Drive, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania,(hereinafter referred to as "Curl") and Robert Austin of 79 Clay Road, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, (hereinafter referred to as "Austin"). KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that pursuant to the agreement of the parties, and in consideration of the sum of $1.00 paid by Curl to Austin and the sum of $1.00 paid by Austin to Curl, each of the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, does hereby remise, release, quitclaim, and forever discharge the other party, his or her heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns fro1Tl all claims, demands, liabilities, actions, causes of action, suits, debts and contracts, of any nature whatsoever, both in law and in equity, especially and specifically all claims arising out of the issues raised in the pleadings in the above captioned cases and out of the parties' prior landlord/tenant relationship, which against the other party each may have or now has from the beginning of the world to the date of these presents. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, do execute this Mutual Release thi~ay of ~:~[~..fM..t,~, 2004 Dated ~-h~L~ L,, ~{t 2,t:>O ~b Dated ~d / / , s:- ' ROBERT AUSTIN Dated ~C~tlOrH ~ ~ Dated 2