HARRISBURG, PA – February 27, 2026 − Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) today announced he has introduced SB 1203 to help families secure legal ownership of homes passed down to them by creating a streamlined process to help counties efficiently untangle unclear property titles. A companion bill to Representative Greg Scott’s HB 2172, the legislation would help resolve home title issues for working and middle-class families through the creation of a small estate primary residence affidavit.
Unclear or “tangled” titles often arise when a homeowner passes away and family members continue living in the home without formally updating property records. When a title remains in a deceased relative’s name, heirs can face significant obstacles, including difficulty selling the home, securing financing, or qualifying for home repair grants that require clear proof of ownership.
SB 1203/HB 2172 would allow counties to use a small estate primary residence affidavit to efficiently resolve unclear titles. The process would apply to primary residences assessed at under $150,000, providing an affordable and practical path to legal ownership for families of modest means.
“If you’re living in your deceased parents’ home and paying the bills, red tape shouldn’t stand in your way,” said Senator Malone. “This legislation is a common-sense way to simplify the legal process for small estates and help families secure the homes their loved ones worked hard for.”
SB 1203 and HB 2172 were developed in response to recommendations made in Governor Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan.
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