HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill that would require landlords to disclose parking availability and fees upfront, aiming to prevent renters from facing unexpected costs after signing a lease.
What This Means for You
- Landlords would have to disclose parking costs before a lease is signed
- Renters could challenge undisclosed fees in court
- The change aims to reduce surprise housing expenses
The legislation, introduced by state Rep. Roni Green, D-Philadelphia, would require property owners to clearly outline whether parking is available and what it costs before a tenant agrees to rent a unit.
Green said the bill is intended to address a growing issue where tenants discover additional parking charges only after moving in, increasing their monthly housing expenses.
“This will empower tenants to hold their landlords accountable if they were unaware of required parking fees when they signed their lease,” Green said.
How the Requirement Works
Under House Bill 344, landlords would need to provide clear information about parking arrangements — including availability and any associated fees — as part of the leasing process.
That requirement is designed to ensure renters have full knowledge of housing costs before entering into a lease agreement, a legally binding contract between a tenant and a landlord.
Green said undisclosed fees can create financial strain for renters already dealing with rising housing costs.
“Tenants deserve to know everything about a rental property before they enter into a lease agreement, and that includes whether parking is provided and any associated costs,” she said. “Unexpected parking fees added to monthly expenses are unethical at best and can, in extreme cases, cause people to lose their housing.”
Enforcement and Tenant Protections
The bill would allow disputes over undisclosed parking fees to be heard in court, giving tenants a legal pathway to challenge charges they were not informed about in advance.
Lawmakers said the measure is particularly relevant in areas experiencing increased residential development, including condominium construction in Philadelphia, where parking arrangements can vary widely.
Next Steps
The bill passed the House unanimously, indicating bipartisan support, and now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.
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