An estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes on housing. It is vital that the association play a role in helping to ensure 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.

 

The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) requires sprinklers in new one- and two-family residences as of January 1, 2011. The Pennsylvania Builders Association opposed the requirement and introduced House Bill 377 (Everett), which removes the sprinkler mandate and requires builders to provide consumers with information provided by the Pennsylvania Fire Chief on the benefits of sprinklers. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® supported the bill which was signed into law as Act 1 of 2011.