Local governments often cap the number of unrelated individuals who may live together in a single residence. This policy explainer introduces these caps and discusses their effect on the supply of housing in Pennsylvania. It suggests that allowing more unrelated individuals to live together is an efficient and easy way to increase the housing supply using existing housing units.

Key Findings:

• Of the 10 most populous cities in Pennsylvania, 9 cap the number of unrelated individuals who may live together.
• Bethlehem, Erie, and Scranton have legally locked away more than 50 percent of their bedrooms.

Policy Implications:

• State legislators interested in alleviating the housing crisis without having to allow more construction should consider reforms such as the Golden Girls Act, model legislation from Pacific Legal Foundation that would remove these unrelated-roommate restrictions.

Download the PDF here.