Harrisburg, Pa. − February 2, 2026 − Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Caucus Chair) has announced a new slate of legislation to address the housing affordability crisis in Pennsylvania.
The ability to establish a home in Pennsylvania has become increasingly difficult due to rising costs, stagnant wages and a lack of affordable housing stock. From 2017 to 2023, Pennsylvania ranked 44th in new construction. During this period, the average rent in 23 Pennsylvania counties surged from $1,013 in 2017 to $1,476 in 2023—a 46% increase.
“A healthy Pennsylvania begins with a healthy home,” Collett said. “But for far too many families, stable, affordable housing is out of reach. The legislation I’m proposing tackles the housing crisis on multiple fronts: preventing corporate investors from jacking up prices, addressing homelessness and housing instability, and finding creative ways to increase housing availability.”
Senator Collett’s proposed housing legislation includes:
- Protect Pennsylvania Homeownership from Wall Street
- Introduced with Senator Nikil Saval (D-1 Philadelphia), this legislation would restrict tax breaks for large investors and private equity firms planning to buy more of the state’s existing stock of homes and aims to help more families achieve homeownership across the Commonwealth.
- Homelessness and Housing Stability Council
- This bill would establish an interagency council dedicated to addressing homelessness and housing instability. The council will collaborate with the Department of Community & Economic Development to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes actionable policy recommendations.
- Increasing the Number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- This legislation would make it easier and more affordable to build ADUs by expediting the permit approval process, updating parking requirements for ADUs and addressing the issue of duplicated utility hook-up fees. Building ADUs boosts housing supply with minimal neighborhood impact and creates more attainable and affordable housing options in high-opportunity neighborhoods.
“Pennsylvanians are looking for leaders with real solutions to build a healthier, more sustainable future for our families,” Collett added. “With growing support for these policies, I am hopeful that stable housing and homeownership will no longer be a privilege for the wealthy few, but attainable for all working families.”
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