Harrisburg, PA – April 1, 2026 – To mark the first day of Fair Housing Month, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware) and Senator Nikil Saval (D-1, Philadelphia) introduced Senate Resolution 260, recognizing April as “Fair Housing Month” in Pennsylvania.
“No one in our community should ever be left without a safe place to call home. Yet, on any given day in this Commonwealth, more than 12,000 Pennsylvanians we know of are unhoused,” said Senator Cappelletti. “Let’s be clear: housing is a basic human right. But rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and discriminatory practices have put that right out of reach for far too many. In the Senate, I’m fighting to change that by advancing legislation that makes fair, accessible housing a reality for every Pennsylvanian.”
Housing affordability across the nation is at an all-time low, with the number of unhoused people facing an unprecedented increase. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, of the more than 12,000 people who go unhoused in the Commonwealth, approximately 2,500 are from the Greater Philadelphia region.
“The collision of the housing crisis with the affordability crisis means that many people are one commonplace emergency away from losing their homes,” said Senator Saval. “Pennsylvania must act to meet this moment. Recognizing Fair Housing Month means recognizing housing as a basic human need. Our government must show its commitment to a Commonwealth in which all people have access to homes that are safe and healthy—through legislation, through policy, and through work in our communities.”
For those who rent their housing in both Montgomery and Delaware counties, households spending more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities rose from 2017 to 2023. The increase in spending was noted to be the highest in Delaware County, where rent-burdened households increased by 7.1% in seven years.
The average rent in the 23 Pennsylvania counties tracked by Zillow’s rent estimate was $1,013 in 2017 and $1,476 in 2023, a 46% increase. The state has also failed to keep up with the growing demand for housing, with Pennsylvania ranking 44th out of all 50 states on the rate of housing built during that same period.
“This month and every month, I’m committed to building a Commonwealth that meets this moment and tackles our nationwide housing crisis head-on,” said Senator Cappelletti. “Everyone deserves a place to safely rest their head at the end of the day, and my legislation will bring us one step closer to that becoming our reality.”
Senator Cappelletti has introduced several bills to address housing in the Commonwealth, including:
Statewide Rental Rate Protections, SB 546 (Co-sponsored by Senator Saval): This bill would enforce rental rate protection measures to combat unfair and predatory rental increases. It exempts small landlords with less than 15 units. Newly developed housing would not be subject to rent control measures until the property reaches ten years of age after receiving a certificate of occupancy.
Optional Affordable Housing Trust Funds Enhancements, SB 609 (Co-sponsored by Senator Saval): The Optional Affordable Housing Funds Act–also known as Act 137–allows Pennsylvania counties to raise revenues for affordable housing needs by increasing fees charged for the recording of deeds and mortgages. This bill would address shortcomings in the act and:
- Increase the maximum amount of fees that can be collected;
- Impose reporting requirements, and;
- Establish a Local Housing Trust Fund Community of Practice.
Senator Cappelletti is also proud to co-prime several pieces of housing-related legislation with her colleagues:
Protections for Older and Disabled Tenants, SB 1148: This bill would allow a tenant who is older or disabled to break their lease without penalty when they are unable to safely remain in their home.
- Prime sponsored by Senator John Kane (D-9, Delaware), and co-primed by Senator Cappelletti. Co-sponsored by Senator Saval.
“No one should be forced to choose between their safety and their financial stability. When an older adult or a person with a disability can no longer safely remain in their home, the last thing they should face is a financial penalty for doing what’s necessary for their health and well-being,” said Senator Kane (D-9, Delaware). “As legislators, we have a responsibility to recognize the real-life challenges our constituents face and ensure our laws reflect compassion, fairness, and common sense. This legislation is about protecting some of our most vulnerable residents and making sure they have the ability to transition into safe, appropriate housing without unnecessary financial burden.”
The Shelter First Act, SB1089: This bill would require municipalities to provide adequate indoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness before the municipality can enforce any ordinance that would criminalize living outside.
- Prime sponsored by Senator Saval, and co-primed by Senator Cappelletti, Senator Vincent Hughes (D-7, Philadelphia/Montgomery), Senator Tim Kearney (D-26, Delaware), and Senator Judy Schwank (D-11, Berks).
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