Pittsburgh Student Finds 2 Naked Strangers at Home — Renters Beware!

A Student’s Shocking Return to an Apartment That No Longer Belongs to Him

There's nothing quite like coming home after being away for a month — unless, of course, you walk through the door and find two strangers living in your apartment. That’s exactly what happened to Maverick Crupi, a University of Pittsburgh student, who returned to his residence only to discover that his belongings had been replaced with new items, including pots, pans, and even a candle.

Crupi told KDKA News that when he entered the apartment, everything in the kitchen that he had previously owned was gone. “I opened the door, I walked in, and everything in the kitchen that was there, that I had there, was no longer there,” he said. “There were new pots, there were new pans, there's a candle.”

According to Crupi, his former roommate arranged to sublet his room without informing him, something he believes is a violation of his rights as a tenant. However, the lease explicitly states that subletting is only allowed if the landlord gives written consent, and both the existing resident and any new residents must sign a new lease contract.

This situation raises an important question: Does returning home to find strangers in your apartment cross a legal line, or is it simply a thoughtless move by a former roommate?

The Growing Trend of Subletting

Subletting has become increasingly popular among renters, especially those who are relocating for work, traveling abroad, or planning to move before their lease expires. It can help cut rental costs and avoid early termination fees — but only if the lease allows it.

With the average U.S. rent reaching $2,109, according to Zillow, more people are turning to creative solutions to manage rising housing costs. In response to this trend, Zillow recently added options for subletting single rooms, highlighting the growing affordability challenges in today’s market.

In Crupi’s case, KDKA Investigates found out that he had signed a “by-the-bed” lease. This means that while the apartment was a two-bedroom unit with shared common areas, Crupi was only renting — and paying for — his own bedroom.

Several local attorneys told KDKA that the property management company, SkyVue, wasn’t technically violating the lease. Attorney Daniel Stoner explained that under a by-the-bed lease, each tenant signs a separate contract. That means Crupi may not have legal grounds to claim a breach just because new tenants moved in without his knowledge.

Stoner noted that it’s up to the landlord’s discretion whether they want to enforce certain clauses in the lease. “That’s really at (the landlord’s) discretion and option if they want to enforce those clauses or not, and sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't,” he said.

The Importance of Reading the Fine Print

Crupi’s experience serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to understand the terms of your lease before signing. Common courtesy isn’t always reflected in the fine print, and what may seem like a simple act — such as informing a tenant about a new roommate — may not be part of the lease agreement.

Before agreeing to sublet or signing a lease, take the time to carefully review the document. Pay close attention to clauses about subletting, guest policies, or “right of entry.” These details are often buried in complex language but can significantly impact your control over your living space.

Stoner recommends reviewing lease agreements closely and asking questions before signing. If anything seems unclear, ask the landlord or property manager to put the answer in writing. It’s much easier to clear up confusion before move-in day than when you’re already paying rent.

“Those are questions that you certainly should be asking, particularly if you are entering into a lease where you're renting out an individual bedroom and you're living in a unit with other people that are that are renting,” Stoner said.

Protect Your Rights

If your contract is unclear, consider having a lawyer review it. A quick legal check could prevent headaches later, whether you’re subletting to someone else or trying to protect your own space.

Understanding your lease is essential to ensuring that your rights are protected. Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, knowing what to look for can make all the difference in avoiding disputes and maintaining a positive living arrangement.