Advocacy Updates

House Bill 72 would update Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to better protect renters who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other forms of violence. The bill would allow survivors to end a lease early, request a lock change, keep their information confidential, and protect them from retaliation by a landlord or property manager for exercising these rights. Sponsored by Rep. Lisa Borowski, the bill passed the Pennsylvania House in April 2026 and was sent to the Senate, where it was referred to committee in May 2026.The full content of HB 72 may be found here: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb0072.  

The following key points represent the core protections and processes established by HB 72 to support tenants affected by violence, ensuring both their safety and their housing rights.

1. Early Lease Termination Rights for Victims: Eligible tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or certain other crimes can terminate their lease early without penalty by providing written notice and supporting documentation within specific time frames.  Example: A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence can provide a police report and written notice to the lessor to end their lease early for safety reasons.
2. Definition of Eligible Tenants and Victims: The law defines 'eligible tenant'      broadly to include direct victims or tenants whose immediate family or household members are victims. 'Victim' includes those directly harmed, witnesses who suffer injury, and intervenors. Example: If a tenant's child is a victim of a qualifying crime within 1,000 feet of the home, the tenant may be eligible for early lease termination.
3. Right to Change or Rekey Locks for Safety: Eligible tenants fearing further harm may request the lessor to change or rekey locks at the tenant's expense. If the lessor does not respond within 24 hours, the tenant may change the locks themselves (professionally), but must promptly provide access to the lessor and other non-responsible tenants. Example: A tenant fearing the return of an abuser can have the locks changed to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Prohibition on Lessor Retaliation and Confidentiality Requirements: Lessors  are prohibited from penalizing, retaliating against, or disclosing confidential information about tenants exercising these rights.  Example: A lessor cannot evict or penalize a tenant for terminating a lease due to domestic violence, nor can they share the tenant's confidential medical records and/or certification forms without consent.
5. Certification Form and Attesting Third Party: To verify eligibility, the Office of      Victim Advocate must provide a certification form for tenants to be signed by both the tenant and an attesting third party such as a licensed health care professional, social worker, or victim advocate. Example: A tenant and their victim advocate can sign and use the form as documentation to support early lease termination.