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Philadelphia Bill to Amend Property Licenses and Owner Accountability Code for Rental Properties

  • When: 2025/04/10
  • Address: Citywide, Philadelphia, PA
  • City: Philadelphia
  • State: PA
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Subcategory: Process updates
  • Asset Class: Multifamily
  • Property Type: Multifamily
  • Planning Department: True

This bill proposes amendments to Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, titled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability." The changes aim to clarify licensing requirements for rental properties, authorize the Department of Licenses and Inspections to establish a Proactive Inspection program, and mandate public reporting on Code compliance. Additionally, it establishes new remedies, damages, and protections for tenants. Key provisions include the immediate suspension of licenses for properties deemed unfit or unsafe, conditions under which rental licenses will not be issued or renewed (e.g., outstanding violations), and requirements for owners to notify tenants when their rental license is invalid. The bill also empowers the Department to notify tenants directly and post notices at premises regarding non-compliance. It clarifies that expired or inactive licenses remain so until all violations are corrected and fines paid. Furthermore, it outlines a private right of action for tenants, allowing them to compel compliance and seek civil monetary damages, compensatory damages, rent abatement, and attorney's fees for non-compliance. A significant part of the amendment is the establishment of a Proactive Inspection Program to inspect all residential rental properties on a regular cycle by July 2030 and mandates annual reporting on the program's progress, inspection data, complaints, violations, and displacement of tenants.

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