HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle A. Henry announced a settlement agreement with Inch & Company Property Management, LLC, based in central Pennsylvania, regarding alleged violations of the Federal Consumer Review Fairness Act and Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
The settlement addresses lease terms that unlawfully prohibited tenants from posting online reviews about the property and management.
Negative online reviews resulted in financial penalties per lease terms.
Under the settlement, Inch & Company is prohibited from using such non-disparagement clauses in future leases and must inform all tenants that the current clauses in their leases no longer apply.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the importance of online reviews for consumers exploring living spaces and asked consumers to thoroughly research contracts and reviews that may influence their decisions.