Case Background

Dwayne Kirkland, a landlord from Avalon, Pennsylvania, rented out a property located at 513 Clearview Avenue in Pittsburgh. Mark Hunter, the tenant, occupied the unit under a lease that ended by October 5, 2024. On September 2, 2024, Kirkland issued a formal notice to vacate. He gave Hunter until October 5 to move out. Kirkland claimed Hunter failed to leave, prompting legal action. The dispute landed in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

Cause

The legal conflict originated from Hunter’s alleged failure to pay rent and leave the property after the lease ended. Despite the notice, Hunter stayed at the Clearview Avenue residence. Kirkland cited unpaid rent as the primary breach. He also pointed to the lease’s expiration and Hunter’s refusal to vacate. The complaint detailed Hunter’s continued possession as unlawful. Kirkland said demands for rent went unanswered. The ongoing occupancy led to the complaint filing in December 2024.

Injury

Kirkland claimed financial harm due to missed rent payments. He also pointed to possible property damage during the tenancy. His complaint stressed unjust retention of the property. Kirkland stated that Hunter’s refusal to vacate blocked efforts to re-rent or repurpose the space. The prolonged occupation created hardship for the landlord. Kirkland’s certification under penalty of law affirmed the harm and the factual claims in his filing.

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