WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 343

An Act amending the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, in tenement buildings and multiple dwelling premises, further providing for definitions and providing for borrowing requirements, for abandonment of residential rental property and for maintenance by receiver; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 7 co-sponsors

HB 343 modernizes Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to strengthen maintenance standards, regulate borrowing, address abandoned rental properties, and impose penalties on non-compliant owners.

Referred to Housing & Community Development
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 343

Legislative bill overview

HB 343 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to modernize regulations for multi-unit residential buildings. The bill updates definitions, establishes borrowing requirements for property maintenance, creates procedures for addressing abandoned residential rental properties, and sets penalties for non-compliance by property owners and receivers.

Why is this important

Housing quality and tenant protections directly affect public health, safety, and economic stability for renters. Abandoned or poorly-maintained multi-unit buildings can destabilize neighborhoods, reduce property values, and create health hazards. Clarifying landlord obligations and enforcement mechanisms addresses a decades-old statute that may not adequately cover contemporary housing challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner burden: Mandatory borrowing requirements and maintenance standards could increase costs for small landlords, potentially leading to higher rents or reduced rental inventory in already tight markets
  • Receiver authority and liability: Expanding receiver powers to manage abandoned properties raises questions about due process, property rights, and who bears financial responsibility for rehabilitation efforts
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill's penalty structure and enforcement mechanisms aren't detailed in the summary; penalties that are too lenient may be ineffective, while severe penalties could face legal challenges or create unintended market distortions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.