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Philadelphia tenant rights: a plain-language guide

If you rent in Philadelphia, you have rights. They apply when your landlord sends a notice, when you ask for repairs, and when you complain. This page gives a short overview and points to more detail. It is general information, not legal advice.

Updated

The notices landlords use

Each kind of paper means something different. No matter what it says, only a judge can order an eviction. Pick the page that matches what you got.

A fair reason to end your lease

New City rules are reported to start on November 1, 2026. Under them, a landlord generally needs good cause to end or not renew any lease. Good cause is a reason the law accepts. The landlord must give the reason in writing. Without proper written notice, the lease generally renews month to month. These rules generally do not apply if your landlord lives in the same unit.

Protection from payback

City law generally bars a landlord from ending or changing your lease as payback for a complaint. This is called retaliation. Some examples may include the acts below.

New City rules are reported to start on November 1, 2026. They cover a notice that comes within 12 months after a violation was found at your home. They also cover a notice that comes within 12 months after you used a legal right, such as making a complaint. Then your landlord may have to prove the notice was not payback.

If you think the notice is payback, you may be able to challenge it. You would do this at the Fair Housing Commission, a free City office. Tenant advocates report that you have 15 days after you get the notice to file. Once your landlord files a case in court, the Commission can no longer take your complaint. This deadline is still being checked, so confirm it with legal help.

Repairs, heat and L&I

Your landlord generally must keep your home safe and in good repair. If a problem is not fixed, you can call 311 to tell the City. L&I (the City's inspections office) may come to look. It may find a violation.

In the City's heat season, your heat generally must be able to warm your home to at least 68°F.

Your landlord generally also needs a rental license. StayTenant shows City records for your address, with dates. These are 311 complaints, L&I violations and rental licenses. City records do not say who made a complaint.

What to do today

  1. Keep every paper from your landlord or the court. Write down when you got each one.
  2. Ask for repairs in writing. Keep copies, with dates.
  3. Have a question about your rights? Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500.
  4. If you complained before the notice, start your clock with StayTenant. It counts your days. It also gathers dated City records for your address.

Common questions

Can my landlord evict me for complaining?

City law generally bars payback for a complaint. New rules are reported to start on November 1, 2026. Under them, a notice may come within 12 months after you complained. If so, your landlord may have to prove it was not payback. Ask for legal help to learn what applies to you.

What counts as retaliation?

Generally, it means ending or changing your lease because you complained. That may include a complaint to L&I or a 311 call about conditions. It may also include joining a tenant group or helping with a City investigation. New protections are reported to start on November 1, 2026. Confirm what applies to you with a tenant lawyer.

What is the Fair Housing Commission?

It is a City of Philadelphia office. It hears tenant complaints about unfair rental practices. One example is a notice that may be payback for a complaint. Filing is free, and you do not need a lawyer to file.

Where can I get free help?

Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500. You can also call the Fair Housing Commission at (215) 686-4670.

Where to get help

Call the Philly Tenant Hotline267-443-2500

Fair Housing Commission

The Fair Housing Commission is a City office. It hears tenant complaints about unfair rental practices, like a notice that may be payback for a complaint.

To file, fill out the Commission's intake form. You can mail, email, or fax it, or bring it in. It is free.

Open the intake form

Before you file, call to confirm the steps.

Sources

We are still checking the rules in this tool with legal partners. Each rule below shows where it came from and whether it has been verified. Some details may change. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline to confirm.