(WNY News Now) – Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a settlement with State College landlord Rodney Hendricks, resolving allegations of withholding security deposits and providing substandard housing to tenants, many of whom were Penn State students.

HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Dave Sunday revealed a settlement agreement on Friday, January 24, 2025, with Rodney Hendricks, owner of Hendricks Investments, over accusations of improper security deposit deductions and poor living conditions in rental properties primarily housing Penn State University students.

The settlement follows a lawsuit filed by the Office of Attorney General in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. Hendricks Investments was accused of violating the Pennsylvania Landlord/Tenant Act and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Law. Tenants reported that Hendricks deducted security deposits for illegitimate damages and advertised properties as move-in ready, despite many being dirty or unsafe.

“For many, student housing marks their first experience living independently, but this landlord turned it into a negative experience for many tenants,” Attorney General Sunday said. “All Pennsylvania property managers must abide by landlord/tenant laws, and this settlement ensures that Hendricks Investments will no longer provide subpar properties or make excessive deductions from security deposits.”

Key terms of the settlement include:

• Itemized Damage Lists: Hendricks must provide tenants with a detailed list of actual damages when deducting from security deposits.
• Prohibition of Illegal Deductions: Deductions for normal wear and tear are prohibited.
• Transparency in Advertising: Photos promoting properties must include disclaimers urging personal inspections before lease signing.
• Advance Notice of Entry: Tenants must receive at least 24 hours’ notice before Hendricks or his workers enter a property, except for emergencies or tenant requests.

Hendricks also agreed to pay $30,000 to reimburse eligible tenants who previously filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The settlement, filed as a Consent Petition in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas, was handled by Deputy Attorney General Seth Miller and Senior Deputy Attorney General Paul D. Edger.