Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB573

Introduced
2/12/25  

Caption

In recovery of possession, further providing for escrow funds limited.

Impact

If enacted, HB573 would directly impact landlord-tenant relationships by enforcing a clearer standard regarding security deposits. This legislative change is poised to limit landlords' ability to withhold security deposits by ensuring they cannot create clauses that invalidate the return of such funds. This modification would provide better clarity to tenants regarding their rights and obligations and may also help reduce disputes between landlords and tenants over the retention of deposits.

Summary

House Bill 573 aims to amend The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 in Pennsylvania, specifically addressing the regulations surrounding escrow funds and security deposits. The key provision of this bill is the stipulation that any lease or rental agreement cannot designate a security deposit, which includes deposits for pets, as nonrefundable. This change seeks to enhance tenant protections and ensure that security deposits are treated fairly and transparently in rental agreements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB573 appears to be largely supportive among tenant advocacy groups, who see the bill as a necessary step in improving housing laws and protecting renters. By prohibiting nonrefundable clauses, the bill is perceived as empowering tenants and promoting fairer rental practices. However, there may be concerns from landlords regarding how this will affect their business operations, indicating a potential divide in support based on whether individuals are on the landlord or tenant side of the debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from landlords who argue that such regulations could stifle their ability to manage properties effectively. There might be apprehensions that without the option for nonrefundable deposits, landlords may face increased financial risks associated with damages or unpaid rent. The discussion around this bill thus highlights the ongoing balancing act between tenant rights and landlord protections, making it a focal point of the broader conversation about housing stability in Pennsylvania.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB352

In recovery of possession, further providing for escrow funds limited.

PA SB1236

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in recovery of possession, further providing for notice to quit; in repeals, providing for applicability; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1549

In tenement buildings and multiple dwelling premises, further providing for landlord's duties; and providing for tenant relocation.

PA HB506

Providing for limitations on rent increases; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA HB2498

In creation of leases, statute of frauds and mortgaging of leaseholds, further providing for leases for not more than three years and for leases for more than three years and providing for notice of building credit through rent reporting program for residential leases; and providing for reporting rent payment information to consumer reporting agency program.

PA SB1296

In creation of leases, statute of frauds and mortgaging of leaseholds, further providing for leases for not more than three years and for leases for more than three years and providing for notice of building credit through rent reporting program for residential leases; and providing for reporting rent payment information to consumer reporting agency program.

PA SB732

In personnel of the system, further providing for appointment of personnel; and making a repeal.

PA SB1137

In dockets, indices and other records, providing for limited access to eviction information.

PA HB1441

Providing for tenants' rights in cases of violence.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.