Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Isaacson bill to cap rental application fees advances through House

Isaacson bill to cap rental application fees advances through House

HARRISBURG, May 4 – Today, legislation brought forth by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (House Bill 558) that would put a cap on rental application fees advanced through the House 148-53.

The bill would amend The Landlord Tenant Act of 1951, limiting a landlord or landlord’s agent to only charge rental application fees reasonably related to the actual administrative expenses incurred for an application. The bill would also prohibit application fees as being a general revenue source for a landlord.

On April 13, House Bill 558 was reported out of the Housing and Community Development Committee by a vote of 23-3, prior to passage in the House. The bill aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan that stresses affordability for renters.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for providing a victory to Pennsylvania renters,” Isaacson said. “Landlords have been preying on the Commonwealth via excessive fees, limiting the opportunities renters have to find housing. Someone shouldn’t have to stop applying for housing because of simple paperwork, and this bill would alleviate that concern.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.