01/28/2026
Time Sensitive Urgent Call to Philly Landlords
On February 10 at 10:00 AM (Room 400, City Council), there will be a public hearing on Councilmember O’Rourke’s proposed bills which add even more burden to small landlords!
HAPCO has been invited to testify on an official panel and individual property owners will have the opportunity to speak during public comment. Many tenants show up to these hearings organized by tenant rights groups. They carry signs and wear t-shirts and make a lot of noise. Landlords need to be present in numbers - otherwise it appears that we do not disagree with the proposed legislation enough to show up. When council members see engaged, caring, informed owners in the room, it sends a powerful message. If you’re willing to testify, HAPCO has prepared materials to help you organize your comments and feel confident speaking. Thoughtful, respectful communication from owners about real-world impacts can help shape better policy.
What is being proposed?
-No lease termination allowed without Good Cause (it will be tough to end a lease with a difficult tenant
-If you neglected to give a rental suitability cert to a tenant - BUT have no violations - you will be required to refund all rent paid
-If you receive any violation, you will be required to notify your tenant within 7 days that there is a violation even if you are appealing and by law have 30 days to remedy it. Tenant has the right to stop payment.
-City will start Pro-active inspections of all rentals (obviously requires a significant budget)
If you’re willing to testify, please contact Priya Boben Executive Director Hapco Philadelphia.
Phone: 215-684-1684
Email: [email protected]
