HB 72
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 tenants' rights in cases of violence.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to provide tenants with specific rights in cases of violence. It establishes definitions for terms like ‘domestic violence,’ ‘stalking,’ and ‘victim,’ and creates an ‘eligible tenant’ category that includes victims, their household members, and those whose immediate family or household members are victims. The bill also outlines procedures for early lease termination and prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise these rights.
Key provisions
- Defines key terms related to violence, including ‘domestic violence,’ ‘stalking,’ and ‘victim.’
- Establishes the category of ‘eligible tenant’ which includes victims, household members, and those whose immediate family or household members are victims.
- Allows eligible tenants to terminate their lease early with proper notice and documentation.
- Prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights under the bill.
- Requires landlords to maintain confidentiality of certain information provided by tenants.
- Specifies procedures for providing notice and documentation related to lease termination.
- Outlines a process for tenants to change or rekey locks if they fear for their safety.
- Prohibits landlords from increasing rent or imposing fees based on a tenant’s status as a victim.
Who is affected
- Tenants
- Landlords
- Victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Ismail Smith-Wade-El
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