This bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to allow landlords to charge tenants for shared internet service through a ratio utility billing system. Under the new rules, landlords can only recover the exact amount they pay their internet provider and must include specific details about the billing method in the rental agreement. Tenants are given the right to opt out of these shared subscriptions, and landlords cannot retaliate against those who choose not to participate. Additionally, the law requires landlords to provide at least 90 days of notice before implementing this billing system for existing tenants.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate fees charged for common household pets, which are defined as typical domestic animals kept for pleasure. It prohibits landlords from collecting ongoing or upfront fees specifically for these pets, though it allows for a monthly pet deposit of up to one percent of the rent or a maximum of $500 per unit to cover potential damages. The law explicitly excludes service animals required for disabilities from these restrictions and ensures compliance with existing animal control and public health regulations. These provisions will apply to leases signed or renewed on or after the bill's effective date, which is set for 60 days after enactment.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to require landlords to explicitly disclose parking availability and any associated fees in written leases. It prevents landlords from increasing parking fees during the lease term and allows tenants to file complaints in lower courts if these disclosure requirements are not met. If a court finds a landlord violated these rules, the landlord must pay the tenant's parking costs for the lease duration. The changes apply to all residential leases in the state and take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill creates a new program in Pennsylvania to help landlords and tenants manage energy costs by switching from individual meters to a single master meter for the entire building. Under the proposed system, landlords would install their own submeters to track individual tenant usage, allowing for more accurate billing while giving tenants access to energy efficiency technologies and savings programs. The legislation mandates specific protections for tenants, including requirements for accurate meter testing, lease verification before conversion, and options for managing energy consumption within their units. Additionally, the bill establishes rules for how landlords can participate in utility programs and ensures that disconnection processes include proper notice and payment plan options.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate residential rental application fees and background check policies. It limits application fees to the lesser of the actual cost of a background check or $50, allowing landlords to charge only for criminal history and credit checks. The legislation also requires landlords to make individualized assessments when considering criminal history, evaluating factors like the nature of the offense and time elapsed since conviction. These rules apply only to residential properties and cannot be waived by applicants through contracts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HB 2098 establishes a new Office of Manufactured Home Ombudsman to help residents resolve disputes with community operators. It creates a Manufactured Home Hearing Board to handle formal disputes (like eviction cases) and sets up a Restricted Account for program funding. The bill consolidates existing manufactured home community laws under a single chapter and requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to oversee implementation. These changes apply to all Pennsylvania manufactured home communities - defined as sites with three or more homes for residential use - directly affecting residents, operators, and community owners.
