After a year-long legislative process, Philadelphia City Council approved the Safe and Healthy Homes Act on April 23 with a 16–1 vote. The lone vote against the legislation came from Democratic Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. of the 5th District.
“This is about protecting tenants from landlords who refuse to comply with the law, who fail to take seriously their responsibility to provide safe and healthy homes,” said Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke, who introduced the legislation in April 2025.
The approved legislative package aims to reaffirm tenants’ rights and hold landlords accountable for unsafe housing conditions. Key provisions include proactive inspections of rental properties by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Landlords who fail to comply with the building code could face difficulties renewing their rental licenses.
Landlords are required to provide written, legitimate reasons for terminating or refusing to renew a lease. The law protects tenants from harassment and retaliatory evictions initiated because tenants reported code violations or formed tenant associations.
The Safe and Healthy Homes Act also stipulates that landlords with suspended licenses may not collect rent and allows for potential rent restitution for tenants living in substandard conditions. Under the law, landlords must maintain an active rental license and a certificate of suitability to rent. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the city to assist tenants with relocation costs if they are forced to leave unsafe housing.
When Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke introduced the bill a year ago, it received support from tenant advocacy groups, including OnePA Renters United. The process was not easy, as landlord associations such as HAPCO Philadelphia expressed concerns about the financial impact of the new regulations, potential rent increases, and the burden of the inspection program.
On April 23, Councilmember O’Rourke emphasized that “small landlords who are complying with their legal obligations should not be afraid that this legislation will make their lives miserable.”
The Safe and Healthy Homes Act marks a significant shift in the city government’s approach to the maintenance and oversight of rental properties.
