Philadelphia Landlord Attempts to Shorten Lease and Remove Parking After Car Leaks Oil in Driveway, Tenants Push Back
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — A young couple renting in the city says their landlord is attempting to shorten their signed one-year lease and revoke driveway parking after their car broke down and leaked oil in the driveway.
The tenants, both in their early 20s, signed a fixed lease running from December 2025 through November 2026. The lease includes one driveway parking space — a feature they say was a major reason they chose the apartment.
Car Breakdown Leads to Oil Stain Dispute
In January, the couple’s vehicle reportedly broke down while parked in the driveway and leaked oil onto the surface. Due to snowy weather and the mechanical issue, the car could not be moved immediately. They state that they contacted a mechanic to repair it so it could be removed.
The tenants emphasize that they were not performing any mechanical work on the property itself — only arranging for repairs to make the vehicle operational.
Photos provided show dark oil stains on a snow-covered driveway.
Landlord Calls Damage ‘Permanent’ and Alters Lease Terms
According to the tenants, the landlord sent a lengthy written notice claiming the oil stains constitute “permanent damage” and labeling the situation an insurance risk. The letter reportedly states that the solution could require repainting the entire driveway at an estimated cost of approximately $1,850.
The landlord also allegedly:
- Revoked access to the driveway parking space
- Announced plans to shorten the lease to six months ending May 31, 2026
- Stated that replying to the email would count as confirmation of the changes
- Indicated no further lease extensions would be granted after July 31, 2026
The notice further referenced lease provisions related to “care of property” and claimed the driveway parking was “complimentary.”
Tenants Say Lease Does Not Allow Mid-Term Changes
After reviewing their lease, the couple says there is no clause allowing the landlord to change or shorten the lease mid-term. Parking, they claim, is clearly listed as part of the agreement.
They also state that there is no provision banning vehicle repair or addressing temporary breakdowns.
The tenants responded in writing, saying they do not agree to any lease modifications and that the current lease remains in effect. They offered to arrange professional cleaning of the driveway and provide renter’s insurance documentation.
Questions About Landlord Authority
The situation has raised broader questions about whether a landlord can unilaterally modify a fixed-term lease before it expires.
Legal experts generally note that fixed leases typically cannot be altered without mutual agreement unless specific clauses allow it. Tenants are often advised to review their lease carefully and seek legal guidance if disputes escalate.
For now, the couple says they are attempting to act in good faith but feel the landlord’s response is abrupt and aggressive.
Do you believe the landlord is within his rights, or overstepping the lease agreement? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow ongoing discussions at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
