HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers have approved legislation requiring out-of-state property owners to identify a responsible contact for property maintenance, sending a measure aimed at strengthening municipal enforcement against blight to Gov. Josh Shapiro.
House Bill 858, sponsored by state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Philadelphia, would require out-of-state landlords to provide an address, email and phone number for an individual responsible for maintaining their properties.
The requirement is intended to give municipalities a direct point of contact when properties deteriorate or violate local codes, rather than forcing officials to navigate limited liability companies or other corporate structures registered outside Pennsylvania.
“The key to addressing blight is to ensure that municipalities have a contact person to hold responsible for cleaning up the property,” Solomon stated.
Supporters contend the measure would help communities respond more quickly to neglected buildings that can depress nearby property values and affect neighborhood quality of life.
“There are hundreds of thousands of blighted properties across the commonwealth that lower neighborhood property values and negatively impact quality of life,” Solomon added.
The bill passed the state Senate after clearing the House and now awaits Shapiro’s signature.
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