Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2185: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for special provisions relating to ordinances.

HB 2185 requires Pennsylvania municipalities with populations over 5,000 (or high-density areas) to allow duplex, triplex, and quadplex housing as a permitted use by right where single-family homes are allowed, without requiring additional approvals. It prohibits municipalities from applying stricter zoning, subdivision, or design rules to these multi-unit housing types than to single-family homes. Developers must demonstrate that existing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and emergency services) can support new developments before permits are issued. The requirements apply differently based on municipality size: duplexes for 5,000+ residents, duplexes/triplexes for 10,000+, and all three housing types for 20,000+ residents.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to permit duplexes/triplexes/quadplexes without additional approvals, removing zoning barriers to increase housing development options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 5, 2026

HB 2186: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for accessory dwelling units.

This bill allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as secondary apartments or backyard cottages, to be built on properties with single-family homes across Pennsylvania. It requires every municipality to adopt a simple ordinance permitting at least one ADU per lot and mandates that applications be approved within 30 days (or 60 days with additional review), with automatic approval if deadlines are missed. Municipalities may charge a maximum $250 fee for processing and cannot require permit renewals. The law respects existing deed restrictions and planned community rules while aiming to increase housing options through standardized ADU access.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables ADUs on single-family lots, increasing housing supply and affordability by mandating municipal approval within 30 days and capping fees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 9, 2026

HB 2202: An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for definitions and for proof of claim.

HB 2202 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to adjust how senior citizens calculate household income for property tax and rent rebates. It changes the definition of "household income" to allow seniors to subtract annual utility expenses (water, sewer, electric, natural gas) from their income when applying. The bill also requires applicants to submit copies of their utility bills as part of their rebate claim. This directly affects Pennsylvania seniors who claim property tax or rent rebates under the Taxpayer Relief Act. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAmends rebate calculation to include utility deductions, providing direct tax relief to seniors by lowering taxable income for eligibility.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows seniors to deduct utility costs from income for property tax/rent rebates, increasing affordability for low-income seniors under housing assistance program.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 1152: An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices.

SB 1152 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly prohibit housing and lending discrimination based on "source of income," which now includes all lawful income like wages, public assistance, child support, pensions, and housing subsidies. The bill adds this category to existing protected characteristics (such as race, religion, and disability) in Section 5(h), banning landlords and lenders from refusing housing, financing, or services - or imposing different terms - because of how a person receives their income. This directly affects housing providers, mortgage lenders, and real estate agents who must now avoid discriminatory practices tied to income sources. The change updates the law to cover modern housing access issues, such as discrimination against tenants using housing vouchers or public benefits.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits housing discrimination based on source of income (including public assistance/subsidies), strengthening tenant protections under PA Human Relations Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2132: An Act amending the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in recovery of possession, further providing for hearing, judgment, writ of possession and payment of rent by tenant; and making editorial changes.

HB 2132 updates Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act by replacing the term "justice of the peace" with "magisterial district judge" for courts handling landlord-tenant cases, excluding common pleas courts. It requires eviction orders (writs of possession) to be served within 48 hours and executed on the 11th day after service. The bill prohibits landlords from charging tenants for filing costs and voids any lease clause requiring tenants to pay such fees. These changes clarify court procedures and protect tenants from unexpected costs during eviction processes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from charging tenants filing fees and voids lease clauses requiring such payments, strengthening tenant protections under landlord-tenant law.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2155: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in prohibition options, providing for prohibitions on parking limitations; and making editorial changes.

HB 2155 would prohibit Pennsylvania municipalities from requiring a minimum number of parking spaces for new developments. This affects all local governments in the state (including cities, boroughs, townships, and counties) that currently enforce parking minimums in zoning codes. The bill amends state law to remove this requirement, except where mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The change would take effect one year after the bill is signed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves parking minimums, reducing development costs and potentially increasing affordable housing supply by enabling more flexible housing projects.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves parking minimums, reducing car dependency and supporting sustainable transportation infrastructure.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SB 1148: An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for unlawful discriminatory practices.

SB 1148 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to strengthen housing accommodations for renters with disabilities. It requires landlords to permit reasonable modifications to rental units at the tenant's expense (with restoration requirements), grant accommodation requests within 10 days, and allow tenants to terminate leases without fees if accommodations are denied. The law applies to all rental agreements executed or renewed after the bill's effective date, protecting both current tenants who develop disabilities during their lease and new tenants with disabilities. Landlords cannot waive these rights through lease terms or charge fees for tenants exercising these protections.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly strengthens tenant protections for renters with disabilities through required modifications, timely accommodations, and lease termination rights, advancing tenant rights in housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights Tags People with Disabilities

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 9, 2026

HB 2125: An Act amending the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, providing for tenant's rights.

HB 2125 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to strengthen tenant protections in rental properties. It restricts evictions to four specific reasons: nonpayment of rent, a second or subsequent lease violation within six months, a change in land use, or property termination. The bill requires landlords to provide written notices via certified mail before eviction proceedings, with 20-day notice for rent nonpayment (April-September) or 30 days otherwise, and prohibits self-help evictions like lockouts. It also mandates that community rules be uniformly applied to all tenants and posted clearly, with a required "Important Notice" explaining tenant rights and eviction procedures. This bill directly affects tenants and landlords in rental properties governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by restricting evictions to four specific reasons and mandating written notices with extended notice periods, directly advancing tenant rights under housing topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 2109: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preemptions, providing for occupancy limits.

HB 2109 prohibits Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, towns, and counties) from setting household size limits based on familial relationships (such as parents with children or roommates). It allows occupancy limits only for verified health/safety standards (like building codes) or to comply with federal/state affordable housing program rules. The bill directly affects renters, homeowners, and local officials who previously enforced such restrictions. Key definitions clarify that "familial relationship" includes blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care ties, and "local government unit" covers all Pennsylvania municipalities. This bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits local occupancy limits based on family, protecting tenant rights and enabling more housing options by removing barriers to family and roommate arrangements, aligning with tenant protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Tenant Rights Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2180: An Act imposing requirements when lands containing certain State correctional institutions are offered for sale; and further providing for duties of the Department of Corrections.

HB 2180 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to notify counties when land containing a permanently closing state correctional facility is offered for sale. The bill mandates that 2% of the facility's total acreage (including road access) be reserved for transfer to the county at no cost, solely for developing affordable housing. Counties must accept this offer within 60 days by submitting a resolution and development plan, and must begin constructing affordable housing units within five years, with units available for lease within ten years of the land transfer. If counties fail to meet these deadlines, the land reverts to the Commonwealth. This bill directly affects counties where correctional facilities are closing, the Department of Corrections, and future affordable housing projects on former prison land.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill repurposes correctional land for affordable housing, aiding reentry programs and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 2% land transfer to counties for affordable housing development, requiring counties to accept and construct units within 60 days.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Affordable Housing Property Development

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