Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – April 1, 2026 – In honor of 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 every day in this commonwealth, more than 12,000 Pennsylvanians remain homeless.” said Senator Cappelletti. “Let’s be clear: housing is a basic human right. But the rising cost of living, stagnant wages and discriminatory practices have put it out of reach for too many people. In the Senate, I am fighting to change that by advancing legislation that will make fair and affordable housing a reality for every Pennsylvanian.”
The availability of apartments throughout the country is approx all time lowwith the number of homeless people facing approx unprecedented growth. According to Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Developmentof the more than 12,000 unhoused people in the commonwealth, approximately 2,500 are from the Greater Philadelphia region.
“The collision of the housing crisis and the affordability crisis means that many people are one ordinary emergency away from losing their homes,” he added. 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 demonstrate its commitment to a Commonwealth where all people have access to safe and healthy homes – through legislation, policy and work in our communities.”
For those who rent in Montgomery and Delaware counties, households spend over 3From 2017 to 2023, their income from rent and utilities increased by 0%.. The largest increases in spending were seen in Delaware County, where the burden on rent-burdened households increased 7.1% in seven years.
The average rent in the 23 Pennsylvania counties included in Zillow’s estimates was $1,013 in 2017 and $1,476 in 2023, an augment of 46%. The state also hasn’t kept up with rising demand for housing, ranking Pennsylvania high 44vol of all 50 states on the number of apartments built in the same period.
“This month, and every month, I am committed to building a Commonwealth that meets this moment and directly confronts our nationwide housing crisis.” said Senator Cappelletti. “Everyone deserves a place where they can safely rest at the end of the day, and my legislation will bring us one step closer to making this our reality.”
Senator Cappelletti has introduced several bills related to housing in the commonwealth, including:
Statewide rental rate protections, SB546 (Co-sponsored by Senator Saval): This bill would enforce rent rate protections to combat unfair and predatory rent increases. Exempts tiny owners with fewer than 15 apartments. Newly constructed residential buildings will not be subject to rent control measures until the property is ten years aged after receiving its certificate of occupancy.
Optional Affordable Housing Trust Fund Improvements, SB609 (Co-sponsored by Senator Saval): The Affordable Housing Optional Funds Act – also known as Act 137 – allows Pennsylvania counties to raise revenues for affordable housing needs by increasing fees charged for recording deeds and mortgages. The bill would address the bill’s shortcomings and:
- Increase the maximum amount of fees that can be charged;
- Impose reporting requirements and;
- Establishing a Local Housing Trust Community of Practice.
Senator Cappelletti is proud to co-sponsor several pieces of housing legislation with his colleagues:
Security for older and disabled tenants, SB1148: : This bill would allow an elderly or disabled tenant to break their lease without penalty if they are unable to remain in their home safely.
- The launch was sponsored by Senator John Kane (D-9, Delaware) and co-authored by Senator Cappelletti. Co-sponsored by Senator Saval.
“No one should be forced to choose between their safety and financial stability. When an elderly or disabled person can no longer safely remain at home, the last thing they should face is being financially penalized for doing what is necessary for their health and well-being.” said Senator Kane (D-9, Delaware). “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to recognize the real challenges our constituents face and ensure our laws reflect compassion, fairness and common sense. The purpose of this legislation is to protect some of our most vulnerable residents and ensure they can move into safe, adequate housing without unnecessary financial burdens.”
The first act of shelter, SB1089: : This bill would require municipalities to provide adequate indoor space for people experiencing homelessness before a municipality could enforce any ordinance that would criminalize outdoor living.
- The launch was sponsored by Senator Saval and co-authored 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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