Landlord-Tenant Rights in Philadelphia PA

Every State in the U.S. has different Landlord-Tenant Laws. This means that both the landlord and tenant must abide with strict regulations implied by the local government in this case, Philadelphia which is the sixth most populous city in the U.S.

As a landlord you have duties and responsibilities to your tenant.

Before sealing the deal here are the things you should know regarding your right as a tenant or a landlord.

Unfair Rental Practices

If you are the landlord, be mindful that the law prohibits you to retaliate against your tenant when he files a complaint declaring violations, connecting with tenant organizations or fighting for his legal right. There are many forms of retaliation and this includes shutting off the utilities, increasing the rent and trying to evict the tenant.

This law also includes victims of domestic violence or sexual assault protections.

If you as a tenant have been a victim of this violence you can call the local office to ask for assistance.


Terminating Your Lease

You can end your lease any time without penalty if you have been a victim as long as you submit a written request with one of the following things:

• Get hold of a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order
• Sexual assault or domestic violence incident report
• Approved consent decree with at least 30 days before its termination date.

Additionally, you need to present a copy of any one of the following:

• Approved consent agreement or a court for a PFA
• An incident report you filed from the police department pertaining to the domestic and/or sexual abuse
• A written medical certificate from a licensed health care professional, guidance counsellor or a victim service organization confirming you sought assistance.

Filing a Complaint

If you have a complaint you can visit Fair Housing Commission staff and they will be happy to assist you. Just make sure you bring the following documents with you.

• A copy of your lease
• Rent receipts
• Written documents you exchanged with your landlord like letters, emails, etc.
• Utility bills (if applicable)
• Certified postal receipts (if applicable)
• 6-digit Service File Number by License and Inspections (if applicable)

You and your landlord will be given a copy of the formal complaint as well as a hearing notice once your case is accepted.

What Your Landlord Needs to Give You as a New Tenant

• Certificate of Rental Suitability given by the Department of Licenses and Inspections that corroborate the landlord acquired all the necessary licenses and there are no unsettled property maintenance and/or fire violations at the property.
• A written statement signed by the landlord proving the unit is in good condition to live in.
• A duplicate of the “Partners for Good Housing” hand book released by L&I.

*Please be reminded that this law only applies to new tenants and not to lease renewals.

Discrimination

Discrimination in Philadelphia is illegal and this pertains to the following:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Color
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Religion
• National origin
• Ancestry
• Disability
• Marital status
• Age
• Source of income
• Familial status
• Domestic or sexual violence victim status

As a landlord you are not allowed to do any of the following based on the reason above:

• Refuse to rent housing
• Make housing unavailable
• Set different terms, conditions or privileges in the lease
• Refuse to make reasonable accommodations and/or modifications