Bill > HB72

This bill amends the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to add new protections for tenants who are victims of violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, or who have household members who are victims. An "eligible tenant" is defined broadly to include the victim themselves or a household member who is a victim, with specific conditions related to proximity to the crime or the victim's death. The bill allows an eligible tenant to terminate their lease early by providing a written notice to the landlord, along with specific documentation such as a police report, a letter from a medical professional, or a court order, within 120 days of the incident or related legal proceedings. This early termination does not constitute a lease breach and releases the tenant from future rent obligations, though they remain responsible for rent accrued before termination. Additionally, eligible tenants who fear for their safety can change the locks on their dwelling unit, provided they notify the landlord and provide a key, with certain restrictions if the perpetrator is also a party to the lease. Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants for exercising these rights, such as by charging fees, withholding security deposits unfairly, or threatening lease termination, and are also restricted from disclosing confidential information related to these cases without tenant consent or legal requirement. The new provisions apply to leases entered into or extended after the bill's effective date, which is 180 days after enactment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=72