In recovery of possession, providing for pet fees.
Summary
HB2475 would amend Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to limit what landlords may charge tenants for keeping common household pets. The bill prohibits landlords from imposing an ongoing pet fee or an upfront pet rent charge simply for having one or more common household pets in a rental unit.
At the same time, the bill preserves a landlord’s ability to collect a monthly pet deposit held in escrow to cover potential damage to the premises. That deposit would be capped at the lesser of 1% of monthly rent or $500 over the life of the lease, and it would be assessed on a per-unit basis under existing deposit rules. The bill also clarifies that it does not affect public health, animal control, animal cruelty laws, or disability-related accommodations for service, assistance, or support animals.
Impact
The bill would add a new Section 515 to the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, creating a statewide restriction on pet-related charges in residential leases. It would preempt or limit lease terms that impose pet rent or similar recurring fees for common household pets, while still allowing a narrowly defined pet deposit for damage protection. The new rule would apply only to leases entered into or extended on or after the effective date, which is 60 days after enactment.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a tenant-protection bill with a consumer-cost relief focus. Its sponsors suggest an intent to reduce recurring housing costs for renters with pets while preserving landlord protections against property damage. No formal opposition or support is documented in the provided materials, but the structure of the bill indicates an attempt to balance tenant affordability with landlord risk management.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the restriction on landlord pricing discretion: landlords would lose the ability to charge ongoing pet rent or upfront pet fees, which some property owners may view as necessary to offset wear, tear, or administrative costs. Another likely issue is the cap on the allowable pet deposit, which may be seen by landlords as too low in higher-rent markets or for larger animals, while tenant advocates may view it as still permitting excessive charges. The bill also preserves exceptions for disability accommodations and animal-related public safety laws, which reduces conflict in those areas but may require careful implementation.
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in recovery of possession, further providing for hearing, judgment, writ of possession and payment of rent by tenant; and making editorial changes.
To Create The Tenant Possessions Recovery Act; And To Require A Landlord To Provide Certain Notice To A Tenant When A Court Has Issued A Writ Of Possession.
A bill for an act providing for the regulation of commercial establishments possessing or controlling animals other than agricultural animals, providing fees, making appropriations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.
A bill for an act providing for the regulation of commercial establishments possessing or controlling animals other than agricultural animals, providing fees, making appropriations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.