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Landlord Accountability Law Passes in Philadelphia
March 22, 2006
Under a new Philadelphia law landlords of rental units
must now ensure that their units adhere to the city’s building
codes before renting them out to tenants. Mayor John Street
signed the bill into law last week after considering it
for two weeks. Critics are contending that the new laws
are practically unenforceable and won’t do anything to
stem landlord liability issues with tenants living in unsafe
conditions.
The new law requires landlords to furnish proof to renters
that the property they are going to rent meets Philadelphia
standards. The sponsor of the bill, Councilman Rick Mariano,
and the Mayor are both facing criticism over the new laws
however. Mariano, who is also currently on trial for bribery,
fraud, and tax evasion, is also being criticized for making
unnecessary laws and new bureaucratic problems for the
already overtaxed Philadelphia rental market.
Under the new laws landlords and city officials would
have to fill out extensive paperwork in order to ensure
that their properties are being kept up to code. Mayor
Street has addressed these concerns, however, and has said
that his office will help anyone in need of assistance
in complying with the new code laws. The laws will go into
effect this September, barring a delay by the Philadelphia
Department of Licenses and Inspections who may hold off
the laws until they complete a study.
Technology will also play a role in the new laws. The
city is working toward transferring all applicable information
to computers. The computerized system would effectively
allow landlords to apply for and receive certification
without having to go physically to the city offices to
show that their properties comply with city law.
Phil Lord, executive director of the Tenant Union Representative
Network, is optimistic about the new laws. He said that
Philadelphia has a long history of passing laws favorable
to building and unit owners versus tenants and renters.
It is decades since the city passed any legislation favoring
renters, he said.
Regardless of the new laws landlord relationships remain
tenuous across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Long term
tenants of unsafe apartments, houses, and stores have been
complaining to the city for years, often without any response.
Because of the new laws, tenants will have additional rights,
but many legalities are often confusing or misleading to
a person who pays rent to someone else.
If you or someone you love is involved in a tenant
dispute or believes that their rights as a tenant or
renter are being trampled on, our law firm can help.
Reiff & Bily is a personal injury law firm located in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania dedicated to helping people
regain their lawfully entitled rights. Contact our
office for a free consultation on your potential legal
case.
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