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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.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 27 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill expanding tenant protections and rights related to violence in rental housing by amending the 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act.

Referred to Urban Affairs & Housing
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 72

Legislative bill overview

HB 72 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to establish new tenant protections specifically addressing situations involving violence. The bill appears focused on clarifying tenant rights and remedies when violence occurs on rental properties, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the bill summary provided.

Why is this important

Violence-related issues in rental housing can trap tenants in unsafe situations, particularly domestic violence victims who may fear eviction or lease violations if they call police or seek help. Clarifying tenant rights in these circumstances addresses a gap in existing landlord-tenant law and could provide critical protections for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord liability and burden: Property owners may object if the bill imposes obligations on landlords to intervene in or prevent violence, or if it expands their legal liability for tenant or visitor conduct
  • Eviction restrictions: Landlords may resist provisions that limit their ability to evict tenants involved in violence-related incidents, viewing this as a property rights issue
  • Definition and scope of "violence": Dispute may arise over what constitutes covered violence (domestic violence only vs. all violence), and whether tenants have obligations to report incidents or cooperate with authorities

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

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