In the near future, we will introduce a bill to modernize the Landlord-Tenant Act of 1951, modeled off the Revised Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL). As we approach the Landlord-Tenant Act’s 75th anniversary of passage, it is critical that we consider how the bill must be modernized to meet the needs of the present day.  

 

According to the PHFA 2024 Comprehensive Housing Study, renter households in Pennsylvania reached a peak in 2022, the latest year studied, with 1.64 million households (31% of all Pennsylvania households) and is poised for further growth. With a housing affordability crisis in full swing, more Pennsylvanians are renting their homes and for longer. The need for a uniform set of commonsense rules between landlords and tenants has never been greater. 

 

This legislation seeks an equitable balance for all parties involved, makes necessary updates for the 21st century, and seeks to provide for landlord–tenant relationships founded upon common terms and not personal favor. The Revised Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act was drafted over three years by a team of lawyers, judges, legislators, legislative staff, and law professors from across the country with extensive input from national and regional stakeholders. Under current law, there are few guidelines for leases, property maintenance, conditions of habitability, and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, leaving all parties under-protected and ill-informed of their rights and responsibilities in a fair leasing agreement. Therefore, it is necessary we update our statute to help better guide all involved. 

 

Specifically, this bill will set clear guidelines for terms and conditions of a lease agreement. A landlord will be required to provide information regarding rent amount and due date, term of the lease, disclosure of a landlord’s rental license issued by a municipality as applicable, a utility and property maintenance disclosure, a reliable contact to act on behalf of the property and information pertaining to the City Rent Withholding Act (1965 P.L.1534, No. 536). This legislation also sets clear rules for habitability and condition of a rental property and allows the landlord to set reasonable rules for the premise. Additionally, this legislation sets clear guidelines for a tenant regarding the condition of their rental, behavior of residents and their guests, and proper trash removal and creates a process for a tenant to report a noncompliant landlord regarding unhealthy or unsafe conditions of the property. Last, this bill establishes a process, above current procedures, to enable a municipality to correct any issues and ensure a safe and healthy rental property. 

 

This bill is intended, above all, to establish a stable, straightforward rental market. This market will attract families to live and establish longstanding roots in our Commonwealth and encourage businesses to invest here knowing their employees will have access to steady housing. 

 

Please join us in cosponsoring this bill to help millions of renters and landlords across Pennsylvania.