House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

Posted:	May 24, 2021 02:28 PM
From:	Representative MaryLouise Isaacson
To:	All House members
Subject:	Rental Application Fee Cap

Often, potential residents are deterred from applying for a rental due to an excessive rental application fee. Although these fees are designed to help the landlord conduct a background check on the applicant, they are often set far higher than the cost of a security check. In addition, if a family wants to apply to several apartments, these fees add up. These unnecessary fees are a burden on Pennsylvanians, especially at a time when many are struggling to keep a roof over their head. Pennsylvania renters deserve a fair deal. While there could be some cost associated with a rental application, landlords should not be permitted to mislead renters, all for the sake of an additional revenue source. That is why I plan to introduce legislation that will cap rental application fees at $20 per application. In doing so, we can ensure no renter is deterred by excessive fees associated with an application. Creating a cap on rental application fees will help ensure a more equitable housing market for all Pennsylvania renters. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.
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Introduced as HB1574