The number of households renting their homes in Pennsylvania has increased, even as the commonwealth faces stagnant wages and a massive housing shortage. Recognizing International Tenants’ Day is a commitment to safe, secure, and affordable housing for all people, whether they own or rent their homes.
Philadelphia, PA − October 3, 2025 − Today, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) announced plans to introduce a resolution to name October 6, 2025, as International Tenants’ Day, recognizing the 1.6 million households across the state who rent their homes and uplifting the importance of safe, dignified, affordable housing for everyone.
“Our homes are where we make our lives,” said Senator Saval. “Whether a tenant pays rent to a landlord or makes a mortgage payment to a bank, they deserve a place to live that they can afford, where they can feel safe, and where they can build connections to their community. International Tenants’ Day offers a reminder to all of us to stand with tenants and tenants’ unions across the globe in defense of this right and to demand urgent change to our system so that the lives of our neighbors are elevated above corporate profits.”
Findings from recent study from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University showed that soaring costs of housing, utilities, and other necessities have left nearly two-thirds of working-age renters struggling to afford their basic needs. Compounding the cost-of-living crisis is the lack of needed homes. Pennsylvania faces a shortage of more than 100,000 homes, and with some of the oldest housing stock in the nation, this shortage will likely grow in the near future.
Dating back nearly 40 years, International Tenants’ Day was first established in 1986 by the International Union of Tenants. It is celebrated annually by tenants’ unions across the world on the first Monday in October, coinciding with the United Nations’ recognition of World Habitat Day. The theme for 2025 is Urban Housing Crisis Response, drawing attention to the urgent need for action on the severe housing challenges faced by cities everywhere, including rising costs of living and increased commodification of housing.
The full text of Senator Saval’s co-sponsorship memo can be viewed here.
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