Madden and House Policy Committee hear testimony on eviction mitigation legislation
Policy Committee August 12, 2020 | 1:03 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 12 – State Reps. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, and House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, held a hearing on tenant eviction mitigation legislation aimed at helping renters stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madden requested the hearing because she said people are faced with hardships due to COVID-19 and fear the possibility of losing their homes.
“We are on the brink of a housing crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic and we need to do everything we can to keep people in their homes,” Madden said. “Our constituents are undergoing record levels of unemployment and hourly work reductions, and they now have to face the grueling reality of paying rent. While we work to protect our essential workers and our most at-risk people, it is our responsibility to ensure they are safe in their homes.”
Madden said House Democratic leadership is hearing her concerns about the eviction mitigation dilemma in Pennsylvania.
“I thank Representative Madden for requesting this important hearing about her legislative package,” Sturla said. “I agree we must do everything we can to lessen the rent burden and prevent evictions during this pandemic.”
The bill package to help renters by establishing the Tenant Eviction Mitigation Program would:
- require landlords to create a payment plan option for tenants who may have lost income due to a statewide emergency like COVID-19.
- prohibit landlords from charging late fees on rent payments to tenants with lost income during a statewide emergency.
- create a landlord-tenant mediation and counseling program to help resolve issues before an eviction is required.
Testimony and full hearing video are posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee.