Philadelphia’s Good Cause Eviction Law requires landlords to provide a valid reason to terminate a lease, especially for month-to-month renters. Valid reasons include non-payment of rent, habitual late payment, property damage, or the landlord’s decision to occupy the unit themselves. If no valid cause exists, a lease cannot be terminated. Tenants must receive written notice, usually 30 or 60 days in advance depending on lease terms. Understanding this law helps renters feel secure and prevents unlawful evictions.

Yes. According to Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), landlords must have a current Rental License to lease residential properties. Properties without valid licenses are technically illegal to rent, and tenants may have legal grounds to withhold rent or terminate the lease without penalty. Philadelphia Apartment Hunt verifies the licensing status of listed units whenever possible to protect renters.

Before signing any lease, request the Certificate of Rental Suitability from the landlord. This certificate, along with the Partners for Good Housing booklet, is required by law to be provided to tenants. It confirms that the unit meets minimum health, safety, and maintenance standards. You can also check a landlord or property’s complaint history through the City of Philadelphia’s Atlas tool.

No. Under Pennsylvania law, during the first year of tenancy, a landlord may only collect up to two months’ rent upfront (first month and security deposit). Starting the second year, only one month’s rent can be held as a deposit. Charging more than this is illegal and could result in fines or tenant legal action. Always review lease terms and deposit requirements carefully.

Philadelphia does not have rent control, so landlords can raise rent between leases. However, for month-to-month or renewing tenants, they must provide 30 days’ written notice for increases under 10% and 60 days for increases over 10%. Excessive or discriminatory increases may be challenged, particularly under Fair Housing laws.

Any property built before 1978 must comply with the Philadelphia Lead Disclosure & Certification Law. Landlords must certify that the unit is lead-safe or lead-free before renting to families with children under six. Tenants should request documentation, and if lead is suspected, report it to the Department of Public Health. Never sign a lease if this certification is not provided.

Early lease termination is typically governed by the lease agreement. However, exceptions include domestic violence protections, military deployment (under federal law), uninhabitable living conditions, or lack of a rental license. Proper notice and documentation are required. We recommend consulting with a housing rights group or attorney before proceeding.

In Philadelphia, tenants may withhold rent only under specific conditions: the problem must be severe (e.g., no heat, water leaks), written notice must be provided to the landlord, and sufficient time to fix the issue must pass. Tenants may also use the “repair and deduct” method, but legal advice is strongly recommended before taking action.

Landlords may charge a pet deposit or monthly pet fee, but any deposit collected must be refundable unless damage occurs. Non-refundable pet fees are not prohibited, but they should be clearly outlined in the lease. Emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals are exempt from pet fees under federal law.

Philadelphia enforces strong Fair Housing protections. Landlords may not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, or lawful source of income—including housing vouchers. If discrimination is suspected, tenants can file a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations or HUD. We encourage renters to report suspicious listings and experiences to us for further review.