FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2023
PHRC applauds Biden-Harris announcement to protect Renters
Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is pleased to see the actions the Biden-Harris administration are taking to improve the quality of life for renters. The newly released Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights, lays out a plan to increase fairness in the rental market and further the principals of fair housing.
"Everyone in this commonwealth and across the country is entitled to safe, affordable and accessible housing," said Chad Dion Lassiter, PHRC Executive Director, MSW. "Even though the Fair Housing Act passed in 1968, housing inequities persist. The blueprint announced by the White House will go a long way in assisting our efforts to enforce the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing mandate."
The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing mandate was established in the Fair Housing Act. It requires recipients of federal funds to take meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcomes patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity, based on protected characteristics.
"This new blueprint is something housing advocates like me have been talking about for years," said PHRC Director of Fair Housing and Commercial Property Adrian Garcia. "I am most excited to learn that the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 'will seek information on a broad range of practices that affect the rental market, including the creation and use of tenant background checks, the use of algorithms in tenant screenings, the provision of adverse action notices by landlords and property management companies, and how an applicant's source of income factors into housing decisions.' I look forward to learning more about this plan and how it will benefit renters across the Commonwealth."
To read more about the Biden-Harris administration's plan, click here.
The PHRC is the top civil rights enforcement agency in Pennsylvania. PHRC supports the rights of Pennsylvanians to safe, affordable housing in the area of their choosing and works to further fair housing opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. PHRC urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate to file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available at www.PHRC.pa.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Brothman, Director of Communications
Ambrothman@pa.gov
717.787.9537