Bucks County District Attorney initiates civil action against individuals accused of operating illegal rental properties.

Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan has announced the filing of a civil enforcement action against landlords of a multi-unit residential property located on the 100 block of South Main Street in Dublin Borough. This legal action comes after the property was condemned on April 13 due to hazardous living conditions that posed a serious threat to tenant safety. As a result of the condemnation, six residents were effectively displaced. The Bucks County Human Services Division, alongside the Bucks County Co-Responder Program, stepped in to assist these individuals in securing alternative housing.

Khan’s office filed the civil complaint in the Common Pleas Court, utilizing the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to hold the owners accountable for their actions. The defendants named in the complaint are Richard Goetter and Ronald Goetter, who run the business entity known as R & R Enterprises. Attempts to reach the Goetters for comment were unsuccessful.

The lawsuit highlights disturbing allegations that the landlords operated a business model that prioritized profit over the safety and well-being of their tenants, many of whom belong to vulnerable, low-income households. Investigations revealed alarming conditions within the property, including the absence of functioning heating systems, which forced tenants to resort to using portable electric heaters. These makeshift solutions were often connected to unreliable electrical systems, creating severe fire hazards.

Additionally, the building was reportedly infested with rodents and cockroaches, and black mold was found in communal bathrooms. In one instance, a significant hole in the floor of a bathroom was merely covered with plywood, exposing residents to further dangers. Tenants also described an unbearable odor from human waste permeating the property.

Khan emphasized that tenants possess a legal right to safe living conditions, noting that his office is committed to seeking justice for those who have been mistreated, particularly for individuals who may be elderly, disabled, or otherwise susceptible to exploitation. The legal implications of this case underscore the importance of tenant rights and the accountability of property owners in maintaining habitable living environments.

As the case progresses, it serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by renters in Pennsylvania and the broader implications of housing standards and tenant protections statewide.