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Fair Property Inspections and Tenant Protections Law

Official:Amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,” to clarify licensing requirements, authorize the Department to create a Proactive Inspection program, require public reporting related to Code compliance, and establish remedies, damages, and protections for tenants, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember O'Rourke

Introduced: April 10, 2025

Voted: April 23, 2026

: Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless

property licensestenants rights zoning

Plain-Language Summary

This bill aims to clarify property licensing requirements and create a program for proactive inspections in Philadelphia. It also requires public reporting on code compliance and provides remedies for tenants.

What This Bill Does

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The bill clarifies licensing requirements for properties in Philadelphia, presumably to ensure that owners meet certain standards.
The Department is authorized to create a Proactive Inspection program, which may involve regular inspections of properties to identify and address potential issues.
The bill requires public reporting on code compliance, which may include data on the number of properties that are in compliance or non-compliance with city codes.
The bill establishes remedies, damages, and protections for tenants, such as potentially imposing fines or penalties on landlords who fail to meet code requirements.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

This bill ensures that property owners in Philadelphia meet basic standards, making neighborhoods safer and more livable. It also gives tenants greater protection from landlords who fail to maintain their properties, including the possibility of fines or penalties for non-compliance. As a result, Philadelphia residents - particularly low-income and vulnerable populations - will benefit from improved housing conditions and increased accountability for property owners.

The case against

This bill unfairly shifts the burden and financial responsibility to property owners and small businesses, while also potentially infringing on their due process rights. By authorizing regular inspections, the city will be placing a significant enforcement burden on property owners, who will be required to devote staff and resources to complying with the new regulations and appealing any fines or penalties. The potential for fines and penalties could also lead to a de facto rent control, further limiting property owners' ability to set rents and make a living.

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