Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing a new housing reform proposal that could change how people are allowed to live together across the state. House Bill 2109 (HB 2109) — sometimes nicknamed the “Golden Girls” bill in reference to a TV show about friends sharing a home — would prohibit local governments from restricting the number of unrelated adults who can live together in a single housing unit. The move is being discussed as a way to expand affordable housing options and modernize outdated occupancy rules.

What HB 2109 Proposes

HB 2109 aims to do one key thing: prevent municipalities and local governments from using zoning or housing codes to limit unrelated individuals living together in a home, per reporting on the legislation. These local caps often restrict the number of adults who can share a residence simply because they aren’t related by blood or marriage. Removing those caps opens the door for a broader range of shared living arrangements.

Under the bill:

• Local ordinances that limit unrelated occupants would no longer be enforceable.
  
  
• Traditional zoning definitions of a “household” based on family relationships would be replaced with definitions based on safety and building standards rather than who the people are.
  
  
• Shared living models such as rooming houses, co‑living arrangements, boarding houses, and single‑room occupancy (SRO) housing could be more widely permitted.

The legislation preserves building, fire, and property maintenance codes — meaning that safety standards still apply — while focusing on occupancy rights rather than lifestyle policing.

Why This Matters Now

Across the country, housing affordability continues to be a major policy challenge. Many older zoning rules that restricted unrelated adults from sharing housing were created in eras when the goal was to preserve “single‑family character.” Today, these same rules can reduce the number of affordable units available, especially in tight markets where rents and prices are high.

HB 2109 is part of a broader national trend of rethinking occupancy limits to increase housing options, reduce cost pressures, and make better use of existing housing stock. States like Iowa, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington have passed similar laws that pre‑empt local occupancy restrictions, with Oregon and Washington going further by explicitly legalizing SRO housing statewide.

In many Pennsylvania cities, zoning codes still define a “household” in ways that exclude unrelated adults living together. Supporters of HB 2109 argue these restrictions can unfairly disadvantage students, low‑income renters, and workers who simply cannot afford a full apartment on their own.

Potential Impacts on Pennsylvania Communities

1. Expanded Affordable Housing Options

One of the most immediate benefits could be increased affordable living configurations without new construction. By allowing more unrelated adults to share housing, communities may see:

• Reduced per‑person housing costs
  
  
• Greater flexibility in rent sharing among roommates
  
  
• Renewed interest in shared models like SROs, micro‑units, and rooming houses

Advocates see this as one way to stretch the existing housing supply without waiting for new buildings. Shared living has historically offered low‑cost options for students, young professionals, and workers in high‑cost regions, and reform could legitimize and expand those arrangements.

2. Shifts in Neighborhood Dynamics

Allowing more shared living could change neighborhood demand patterns, particularly near transit hubs or employment centers where single rooms or shared units could be popular. It might encourage:

• More rental opportunities in stable neighborhoods
  
  
• Conversion of larger homes into multi‑room shared living spaces
  
  
• Increased use of vacant or underused housing stock

However, this could also raise concerns among residents who associate higher density with issues like parking or noise — a debate similar to other pro‑housing reforms.

3. Reduced Pressure on Homelessness and Housing Instability

By enabling affordable shared living arrangements, HB 2109 could help people who might otherwise face housing insecurity. That’s especially relevant in Pennsylvania, where a statewide housing shortage is driving costs and limiting options. While not a complete solution to homelessness, expanded shared housing could be one piece of a broader affordability strategy — including state funding increases and pilot programs noted in Pennsylvania’s Housing Action Plan.

Arguments For and Against

Supporters Say:

• Local occupancy limits are an outdated form of “lifestyle policing” that unfairly restricts housing flexibility without improving safety.
  
  
• HB 2109 could normalize co‑living and shared housing models that function like modern boarding houses, effectively increasing affordable supply.
  
  
• Standardizing occupancy definitions could make Pennsylvania more attractive to younger workers and renters seeking low‑cost options near jobs.

Critics Warn:

• Some neighborhood groups may see shared houses as incompatible with existing neighborhood character.
  
  
• Without accompanying infrastructure or support, increased density in older housing stock might raise concerns about parking and services.
  
  
• Local control advocates argue municipalities should retain zoning authority to reflect community preferences.

These debates reflect broader tensions in housing policy nationwide: between expanding supply and preserving neighborhood standards.

Where HB 2109 Stands Now

As of early 2026, HB 2109 is still under review in the Pennsylvania Legislature. It has attracted interest from housing advocates and lawmakers concerned about affordability, but it has not yet become law.

The bill’s progress depends on negotiations with local governments, housing stakeholders, and legislative committees as Pennsylvania works on solving housing shortages through various strategies — from zoning reform proposals to increased state investment in affordable housing.

Besides HB 2109, other housing-related legislative efforts — such as proposals to make housing approval processes easier or to give local authorities tools to speed up construction — are also advancing in Harrisburg, showing a broader effort to address supply constraints.