Regulatory tracker
Philadelphia rental regulation changes
What changed, when it takes effect, and who it applies to. We track the City of Philadelphia's rental rules because we file under them every day — each entry links to the primary source so you can check our work.
Most consequential right now
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Renting Without a License in Philadelphia: Tenants Can Sue to Recover Rent
A Philadelphia landlord must hold an active rental license and provide a Certificate of Rental Suitability to legally collect rent.
Published August 6, 2026 - Passed — not yet in effect
Proactive Rental Inspections Are Coming to Philadelphia (Bill No. 250329)
Bill No. 250329, the 'Right to Repairs' bill, authorizes the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) to inspect rental properties without a tenant complaint.
Passed April 23, 2026 - Passed — not yet in effect
Philadelphia's Safe Healthy Homes Act: What Landlords Need to Know
Philadelphia City Council passed the final two Safe Healthy Homes bills on April 23, 2026 by a vote of 16–1.
Passed April 23, 2026 - Passed — not yet in effect
New Tenant Retaliation Rules for Philadelphia Landlords (Bill No. 250330)
Bill No. 250330, the 'Right to Safety' bill, expands Philadelphia's protections against landlord retaliation and harassment. It passed City Council on April 23, 2026.
Passed April 23, 2026 - In effect
Philadelphia Lead Certification: Which Rentals Need It and How Long It Lasts
As of October 1, 2020, every Philadelphia residential rental built before 1978 must be certified lead-safe or lead-free.
Effective October 1, 2020
All changes, newest first
- In effectPublished August 6, 2026
Renting Without a License in Philadelphia: Tenants Can Sue to Recover Rent
A Philadelphia landlord must hold an active rental license and provide a Certificate of Rental Suitability to legally collect rent.
Applies to: All Philadelphia residential rentals
- Passed — not yet in effectPassed April 23, 2026Bill No. 250329
Proactive Rental Inspections Are Coming to Philadelphia (Bill No. 250329)
Bill No. 250329, the 'Right to Repairs' bill, authorizes the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) to inspect rental properties without a tenant complaint.
Applies to: All Philadelphia residential rentals
- Passed — not yet in effectPassed April 23, 2026
Philadelphia's Safe Healthy Homes Act: What Landlords Need to Know
Philadelphia City Council passed the final two Safe Healthy Homes bills on April 23, 2026 by a vote of 16–1.
Applies to: All Philadelphia residential rentals
- Passed — not yet in effectPassed April 23, 2026Bill No. 250330
New Tenant Retaliation Rules for Philadelphia Landlords (Bill No. 250330)
Bill No. 250330, the 'Right to Safety' bill, expands Philadelphia's protections against landlord retaliation and harassment. It passed City Council on April 23, 2026.
Applies to: All Philadelphia residential rentals
- In effectEffective October 1, 2020
Philadelphia Lead Certification: Which Rentals Need It and How Long It Lasts
As of October 1, 2020, every Philadelphia residential rental built before 1978 must be certified lead-safe or lead-free.
Applies to: Pre-1978 Philadelphia residential rentals
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HubKey files Philadelphia rental licenses for $500 flat — compliance checks, PHTIN setup, lead paint coordination, and L&I submission.
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