Title
Amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," by adding and amending certain definitions; authorizing the establishment of the Low-Income Tenant Legal Defense Fund; and requiring certain documents in actions for eviction or collection of rents, all under certain terms and conditions.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 9-3901 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
? 9-3901. General Provisions.
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(4) Non-compliance, Private Right of Action and Suspension. In addition to the provisions for license suspension set forth in Subcode A of Title 4, the following provisions shall also apply to licenses required by this Chapter:
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(e) Non-compliance. Any owner who fails to obtain a rental license as required by ? 9-3902, or to comply with ? 9-3903 regarding a Certificate of Rental Suitability, or whose rental license has been suspended, shall be denied the right to recover possession of the premises or to collect rent during or for the period of noncompliance or during or for the period of license suspension. In any action for eviction or collection of rent, the owner shall attach a copy of the license and a copy of the Certificate of Rental Suitability required by ? 9-3903.
(f) Private Right of Action. Any tenant of any property subject to the provisions of this Chapter shall have the right to bring an action against the owner of such property to compel compliance with this Chapter. Such private right of action neither limits nor expands the rights of private parties to pursue any legal rights and claims they may possess under a written agreement or at Common Law.
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(5) Definitions. The following terms shall have the following meanings in this Chapter.
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(f) Low-Income Tenant: A person, group of non-familial tenants, or family with monthly household income ...
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