Location: Bucks County, PA

My girlfriend and I are in Pennsylvania (Bucks County) and are looking for opinions from anyone familiar with PA landlord-tenant law.

We toured an apartment together twice and made it clear from day one that we were moving in together. During the tour, I disclosed that I had recently filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy and asked whether it would be an issue. The leasing agent told us not to worry and that they would work with us.

Because I currently have little income, my girlfriend applied first to see if she qualified on her own. She was approved, signed the lease, and paid about $3,141 in move-in costs. Our move-in date was scheduled for August 3.

Before move-in (and before picking up keys), she asked to add me as an occupant. I completed the application, paid the screening fee, and was denied because of my bankruptcy/credit.

Management then told us I cannot live in the apartment at all.

Since the entire reason she rented the apartment was for us to live there together, she immediately told them she would not be moving in alone or picking up the keys.

They now say our options are:

• Pay about $8,940 under the lease termination/buyout provision, or
• Go through reletting and remain responsible until the unit is re-rented.

One thing that confuses me is that their own application paperwork says:

"Please consult with your Leasing Professional if you have any questions about this process."

That's exactly what we did before signing. We specifically asked about my bankruptcy because we wanted to avoid this exact situation.

We've spoken with one attorney, who said my girlfriend is likely the one contractually responsible because she signed the lease before I applied. However, he also didn't think the landlord would necessarily sue if she simply never moved in.

My questions:

1. Does it matter legally that I was denied before the lease started and before we took possession?
2. Does the fact that we disclosed my bankruptcy beforehand and relied on what the leasing staff told us matter?
3. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation in Pennsylvania?
4. If we refuse to move in and the landlord later demands the buyout or rent, what is the practical risk?

I'd really appreciate any insight, especially from PA attorneys or property managers.