How HB 2404 changes current law

Compared against the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds new protections for tenants during a disaster emergency declared by the Governor, specifically prohibiting certain actions by landlords.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301

  It shall be deemed unlawful for a landlord to do any of the following during a disaster emergency declared by the Governor under 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301(c) (relating to general authority of Governor) due to an epidemic or pandemic: (1) Evict or attempt to evict a tenant unemployed, separated from employment or unable to find employment as a result of the declaration of disaster emergency. (2) Without the express consent of the tenant, enter the leased premises for purposes of showing the premises to prospective buyers or tenants.

  This addition makes it unlawful for landlords to evict certain tenants or enter leased properties without consent during a declared disaster emergency.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301

  A landlord found to be in violation of this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) per occurrence.

  This creates a monetary penalty for landlords who violate the new tenant protections during a disaster emergency.

• 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301

  This section shall apply only to residential leaseholds and not to commercial leaseholds.

  This specifies that the protections only apply to residential properties, excluding commercial leases.