Pennsylvania HB 1705: An Act amending the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in creation of leases, statute of frauds and mortgaging of leaseholds, providing for website and disclosure of flood risks.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2094
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1705
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY WARREN, VITALI, HILL-EVANS, PIELLI, GIRAL, KHAN,
SANCHEZ, T. DAVIS, HADDOCK, DELLOSO, D. WILLIAMS AND CIRESI,
JULY 7, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE, JULY 8, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), entitled "An
act relating to the rights, obligations and liabilities of
landlord and tenant and of parties dealing with them and
amending, revising, changing and consolidating the law
relating thereto," in preliminary provisions, further
providing for definitions; and, in creation of leases,
statute of frauds and mortgaging of leaseholds, providing for
website and disclosure of flood risks.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 102 of the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69,
No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, is amended
by adding definitions to read:
Section 102. Definitions.--As used in this act--
"Flood damage" means damage caused to real property or
personal property as a result of a natural flood event.
* * *
"Natural flood event" means a general and temporary condition
of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of
normally dry land area or of two or more properties, at least
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one of which is the subject property, from any of the following:
(1) Overflow of inland or tidal waters.
(2) Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface
waters from any source.
(3) Mudflow.
(4) Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake
or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining
caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated
cyclical levels.
* * *
Section 2. The act is amended by adding a section to read:
Section 207. Website and Disclosure of Flood Risks.--(a)
The Insurance Department shall develop and maintain a publicly
accessible Internet website that:
(1) Includes information about flood risk, flood mitigation
and flood insurance.
(2) Provides access to available information that identifies
properties in a flood hazard area.
(b) Whenever real property is leased in writing, and
whenever a written lease for real property is renewed, the
landlord shall disclose the following information to the tenant:
(1) Whether, to the best of the landlord's knowledge, the
property ever experienced flood damage. If so, the landlord
shall disclose how many times the property is known to have
experienced flood damage and shall provide estimated dates of
when the flood damage occurred.
(2) Whether the property is in a special flood hazard area
or moderate risk flood hazard area, as determined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
(3) Whether the property is subject to a legal requirement
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to obtain and maintain flood insurance.
(4) Whether the landlord currently holds flood insurance on
the property and, if so, whether the flood insurance covers
damage to a tenant's personal property.
(c) In addition to the disclosures required under subsection
(b), a landlord shall include the following disclosure with a
written lease:
PLEASE READ: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON FLOOD INSURANCE
Many properties in Pennsylvania are experiencing increased
flood risks. You are encouraged to visit the Insurance
Department's website to review these risks. A standard
renter's insurance policy typically does not cover damage
caused by flooding. You are encouraged to speak with an
insurance professional about your renter's insurance policy
to determine whether you are covered for damage caused by
floods. If you are not, coverage may be available from an
insurance company or through the National Flood Insurance
Program.
Section 3. This act shall take effect in 180 days.
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