Legislative Priorities

Taxes

Taxes related to real estate transactions, such as the realty transfer tax, and those associated with homeownership, such as the property tax, are a major burden to buyers and homeowners alike. An increase in any industry-related tax would have a negative impact on housing costs and the industry as a whole.

Stay tuned for bills PAR is monitoring in this category.

Professionalism and Practice

The Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) governs the practice of real estate licensees in the Commonwealth and protects consumers who work with real estate licensees. It is incumbent upon the association to enact laws that enhance the industry, both for its members and for consumers.

• House Bill 30 (Guzman, D-Berks) – amends the Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to allow appraisers-in-training to work with multiple supervisors to gain experience. PAR supports this bill.
• House Bill 986 (Cephas, D-Philadelphia) – defines and bars an “unfair real estate service agreement.” PAR supports this bill.

Housing

An estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households across the U.S. pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes on housing. It is vital that the association play a role in ensuring that housing of all types is available at all income levels and that programs are available to help homeowners achieve the dream of homeownership. The association must also contribute to the creation of revitalized communities while maintaining private property rights.

• House Bill 818 (Bizzarro, D-Erie) – establishes the First-time Homebuyer Savings Account. PAR supports this bill.

Local Issues

While municipalities in Pennsylvania have the authority to enact local ordinances on such issues as the registration of tenants, sewage lateral inspections, and installation of residential sprinkler systems, it is important for the association to monitor these ordinances in order to forestall any pending statewide implementation.

• House Bill 388 (Cerrato, D-Montgomery) – authorizes municipalities to use funds and workers to replace or repair private water or sewer laterals connected to public systems. PAR supports this bill.
• House Bill 273 (Merski, D-Erie) – establishes a Municipal Codes Enforcement Grant Program. PAR is neutral on this bill.
• House Bill 734 (Madsen, D-Dauphin) – allows landlords to voluntarily help tenants relocate if their current property becomes condemned. PAR supports this bill.
• House Bill 743 (Salisbury, D-Allegheny) – enables a municipality to designate a blighted or abandoned property as available for acquisition by a land bank. PAR opposes this bill.
• House Bill 1062 (Markosek, D-Allegheny) – creates a statewide blight data collection system using property code violations. PAR is seeking to amend this bill.
• House Bill 1250 (Hanbidge, D-Montgomery) – prohibits manufactured housing owners from increasing rent beyond CPI. PAR strongly opposes this bill.