Title
Amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," by requiring non-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and a designated local contact and establishing penalties for non-compliance, all under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes that non-resident property ownership has contributed to neighborhood deterioration, unsafe living conditions, and barriers to enforcement of property maintenance and housing laws; and
WHEREAS, Ensuring that landlords and property owners can be promptly contacted by tenants and City officials is essential to preserving public safety, property maintenance, and accountability; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of Council to strengthen transparency and communication between landlords, tenants, and the City by requiring verifiable contact and registration information for each property licensed in Philadelphia; now, therefore,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 9. REGULATION OF BUSINESSES, TRADES AND PROFESSIONS
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CHAPTER 9-3900. PROPERTY LICENSES AND OWNER ACCOUNTABILITY
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? 9-3901. General Provisions
(5) Definitions. The following terms shall have the following meanings in this Chapter.
(f.1) Local Agent. A natural person over the age of eighteen (18) years who maintains a Physical Address within the City of Philadelphia, is designated by the owner to receive legal notices, service of process, emergency communications, and other correspondence on behalf of the owner, and to coordinate compliance with applicable property maintenance, licensing, and housing laws, and has agreed to carry out the responsibilities set forth in this Chapter. An owner who is a natural person and whose primary residence is located within Philadelphia County may designate themselves as the Lo...
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