Chapter 9-804 of the Philadelphia Code describes unfair rental practices by landlords. If you believe that you’ve experienced unfair rental practices, you can file a complaint.
Citations may be issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Department of Public Health, or a utility company.
As an example, if a property is cited for a violation, the landlord may not respond by raising a tenant’s rent or by issuing a notice for them to vacate the property.
The law prevents an owner or landlord from issuing a lease termination or non-renewal notice without first showing a “good cause” reason. This rule applies to leases that are for less than one year, including those that convert to shorter time frames like month to month.
Examples of good cause reasons to terminate a lease include:
A landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice to the tenant with the good cause reasons to terminate or not renew the lease. The notice must be sent by hand delivery or first-class mail with proof of mailing. If the landlord does not issue a notice as provided by the law, the lease automatically renews month to month.
Tenants can challenge a landlord’s notice with the Fair Housing Commission or in court. Tenants must file a complaint within 15 business days of receiving the notice and notify the landlord.
Examples of “self-help eviction practices” include:
Chapter 9-1600 of the Philadelphia Code describes unlawful eviction practices in greater detail.
The law prevents an owner or landlord from illegally locking a tenant out of a property. Often, this is done to attempt to force an eviction.
Tenants who are locked out should call 911 and ask for a police supervisor. When the police arrive, the tenant will need to provide proof that they live at the property. This might include a driver’s license, a copy of their lease, or a bill.
The police will request proof from the landlord that the lockout was legal. If the landlord can’t provide proof, the police will tell them to let the tenant back onto the property.
If the police can’t contact the landlord, the tenant can hire a locksmith to change locks. The tenant should get a receipt and deduct the cost from their rent.
If a tenant still can’t get access to the property, they can contact:
Examples of a tenant’s legal rights include joining a tenant organization or filing a complaint that alleges code violations. Retaliation by a landlord may include raising rent, shutting off utilities, or attempting to evict tenants.
Philadelphia law prohibits discrimination by landlords and other providers of housing and property. For example, a landlord may not reject an application for tenancy based on the prospective tenant’s race or religion.
Contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to submit a complaint about housing or property discrimination.
The law also includes abuse protections. Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault may end their lease early and get back their security deposit. They may also bifurcate (or split) a lease to evict an abuser.
It is illegal for a landlord to:
Low-income tenants in some ZIP codes are eligible for Right to Counsel. This law guarantees the right to an attorney for fair housing hearings, eviction cases, or housing subsidy termination actions.