State Legislative Affairs
PAA is often pushing policies to enhance and help our members. However, most of our time is spent fighting bad policies introduced by well meaning elected officials. Currently PAA is tracking over 40 pieces of damaging legislation at the state level and other rental ordinances across the Commonwealth.
PAA is often pushing policies to enhance and help our members. However, most of our time is spent fighting bad policies introduced by well meaning elected officials. Currently PAA is tracking over 40 pieces of damaging legislation at the state level and other rental ordinances across the Commonwealth.
PAA has been working with local, state, and federal elected officials and agencies to be sure our members and landlords across the Commonwealth are benefiting from this program. Some counties have been able to receive their own funds and have implemented their own restrictions. To access funding and apply on behalf of your residents please see the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Rent Control Preemption: HB 136, Rep. Greg Rothman.
This legislation amends “The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951” (Act 20) to preempt localities from enacting legislation that infringes on private property rights.
Although the Landlord and Tenant Act covers much of the relationship between a landlord and a renter, there could be additional clarity to safeguard the current nature of the business relationship between the two parties.
This legislation would prevent a local government from enforcing a law that would attempt to control the rent a private property owner can charge. The proposed legislation explicitly states that this will not inhibit local governments from managing their own residential properties. Also, a local government would be prevented from enacting a law that would infringe on a private property owner’s right to decline entering into a new lease at the end of a current lease.
This legislation will simply protect private property rights, as well as preserve basic contracts.
PAA hopes to continue the fight against Rent Control throughout the Commonwealth. We have targeted Philadelphia and Pittsburgh specifically. If you are interested in helping with the fight, please volunteer or contribute below.