A Seven Fields-based landlord will pay restitution after reaching a settlement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Attorney General Michelle Henry reached a $50,000 settlement with A.R. Building Co. regarding its alleged unlawful billing, leasing and debt collection practices. The suit was first filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in November 2023.

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

The suit also alleged A.R. Building sent collection letters to tenants after they moved out, illegally threatening to take action if they did not submit payment within 15 days, Henry said. One consumer was billed $1,190.40 for carpet replacement, when the carpet installer invoice showed a charge of $799.60 for the replacement, according to Henry.

Charging documents indicate at least 12 of the company’s 20 rental complexes in Pennsylvania are located in Allegheny County and at least one is in Greensburg. Documents do not indicate that any properties are located in Butler County.

In the recent settlement, approved by the Court of Common Pleas, 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.

Eligible consumers have 60 days to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General, establishing 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 attorneygeneral.gov, call 717-787-9707 or email at consumers@attorneygeneral.gov.