Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a $50,000 settlement with Butler County-based landlord A.R. Building Company, Inc. regarding its alleged unlawful billing, leasing, and debt collection practices.

The settlement resolves the Office of Attorney General’s November 2023 lawsuit against A.R. Building, which owns 20 apartment complexes in Pennsylvania.

The 2023 lawsuit alleged that A.R. Building arbitrarily inflated the repair costs the company billed to tenants for alleged damage to apartments. The lawsuit further alleged the landlord used leases with unfair and unenforceable terms and engaged in unfair debt collection practices.

In the recent settlement, approved by the Court, A.R. Building has agreed to change its prior practices and pay $35,000 in consumer restitution, $10,000 in costs, and $5,000 in civil penalties.

“This settlement ensures that A.R. Building’s billing and leasing practices will comply with the law going forward,” Attorney General Henry said. “Many renters face challenges in searching for and securing safe and suitable housing due to their unequal bargaining power in the housing market. My office will continue to hold landlords accountable for violations of state consumer protection laws.”

Eligible consumers have 60 days to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General, establishing that they paid for damages in excess of actual costs incurred by A.R. Building, during the last four years. Eligible consumers may file a complaint online at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov, call 717-787-9707, or email at consumers@attorneygeneral.gov.

The settlement, in the form of a Consent Petition, was filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas by Senior Deputy Attorney General Amy L. Schulman of the Pittsburgh Regional Office.