3 Things You Need To Know About Philadelphia Renters' Rights

Renting a property is a lucrative way of business for landlords. Sometimes, ordinary landlord-tenant disputes might occur, thereby creating tension and problems. Both parties' expectations might not be met, leading to regrets. Like every other state, exist.

Several factors could contribute to landlord-tenant disputes. It could be disagreements concerning lease to the maintenance of facility, repairs, or issues with a deposit on how to get it back from the landlord. If communication isn't working, a renter can file a complaint. Read on as DoNotPay educates you on the right of renters in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Landlord-Tenant Law

Philadelphia law upholds renter's rights on several issues. These include evicting without a genuine reason, discrimination, leasing appropriateness, and other unfair rental practices.

Getting your dream apartment after a long search brings happiness. You shouldn't be in the dark concerning what to expect from your leasing company or landlord. Before parking into any property, here are some of the you should know.

Landlords Should Abide by Philadelphia’s Anti-discrimination Laws

Everybody should receive equal treatment irrespective of religion, gender, and race. They should not refuse to provide reasonable accommodation, rent, offer unfavorable lease terms to disabled people.

You Are Expected to Recycle and Get Your Recycling Bin From Philadelphia

All residents of Philadelphia are required to own recycling. If not, they will receive a fine.

Pests could be an issue depending on the location of the property

Landlords are expected to check the premise's pest situation before the lease. Note that pest prevention and extermination are your responsibility if you stay in a single-family apartment.

You Can Report Significant Issues With Landlords to the City

Tenants can file a complaint if their building violates Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code. Also, if you suspect that your property breaches any other local laws, call 311 and report.

Landlords Can’t React Against Tenants Who File a Complaint

Many feel afraid to report any breaches for fear of retaliation. But, if the code violations affect them, it's better to file a complaint. It is unlawful for your landlord to strike back by increasing your rent or evicting you.

Specific Rental Laws Protect Domestic Violence Victims

Victims of domestic violence tenants can terminate their lease under the Philadelphia Unfair Rental Practices Ordinances. They are expected to write a letter to the landlord and submit proof of the violence.

Tenants Should Get Payment Receipts From the Leasing Company or Landlord

Even if it's monthly rent payment or security deposits, your leasing company or landlord is expected to give you payment proof under Philadelphia law.

Philadelphia Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Landlord-tenant disputes are common everywhere. Disagreements must occur, especially if there's no communication and understanding. Below are some of the common landlord-tenant conflicts in Philadelphia.

Non-payment of rent
Security deposits
Pet deposits
Habitability problems
Property damages
Safety disclosures
Right to maintenance
Breaking of the lease by tenants.

Reasons to Evict a Tenant

According to Philadelphia landlord-tenant law, you can be evicted if you:

Don't pay your rent.
The tenancy has expired, and the landlord wants you to pack out.
Breaking terms of a lease.

A less common reason for eviction include:

Illegal disruptive or destructive activity
Property abandonment
Terminating monthly lease

Philadelphia Eviction Process

Before evicting a tenant, the landlord must follow some processes. But first, you have to know the law and find out if the eviction is valid according to Philadelphia laws. After that, you can follow these processes.

Serve eviction notice
File a legal complaint
Serve the complaint
Go to court
Evict the tenant

What to Do if a Tenant/Roommate Refuses to Leave?

To evict a tenant/roommate in Philadelphia, you must follow the proper procedure. After giving the tenant/roommate a written notice and refusing to leave, file a civil lawsuit.

Sue Anyone With Donotpay

DoNotPay can assist you in filing a lawsuit against anyone through our Sue Now Product. Also, we can help generate a demand letter if you want to sue your landlord or roommate.

How to Dispute With a Landlord in the City of Philadelphia on Your Own?

Many landlords take illegal actions. As such, Philadelphia tenants have the right to sue their landlord due to an unreturned deposit or file a complaint directly to the Fair Housing Commission. Here are the steps to take.

Gather your documents and ensure they include:

A copy of your lease
All written documents like emails, maintenance receipts, proof of mailing, and letters

You could also gather:

Rent receipts
Certified postal receipt
Utility bills

Fill out the intake form
Submit your intake form by email or send it to

Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission

The Curtis Center

601 Walnut St., Suite 300 South

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Sign a formal complaint after your case is accepted

If you think you can't go through the procedure alone, DoNotPay can help you file a dispute. Our procedure is simple, fast, and straightforward.

How to Fight an Eviction in Philadelphia With DoNotPay

DoNotPay can guide you through it and file your disputes on your behalf. Our Landlord Protection product can help you:

Get back your security deposits
Learn about your state's eviction laws and what protections apply in your case
Resolve disputes regarding repairs with your landlord
Resolve disputes with roommates by filing demand letters or going through small claims court
Break your lease early

How DoNotPay can help you to break a lease in Philadelphia:

If you want to break a lease in Philadelphia but don't know how to go about it, DoNotPay has you covered in 4 easy steps:

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.