Title
Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to address matters related to the landlord and tenant relationship during the novel coronavirus of 2019 pandemic, including providing for alternative methods for tenants to meet their obligation to make security deposits; all under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, upfront costs associated with moving into residential rental properties have increased and continued to burden residential tenants, many of whom are already cost-burdened and contribute in excess of 30% of their monthly income to housing-related expenses; and
WHEREAS, requiring that tenants have choices regarding how they provide security deposits to landlords - with rental security insurance and installment payments being an alternative to traditional upfront lump sum payments - will provide relief to individuals and families entering into those rental agreements, while ensuring landlords are reasonably protected against damages and unpaid rent; therefore
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 9-800 LANDLORD AND TENANT
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? 9-802. Definitions.
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(4) ***
(5) Security Deposit. Any money or other form of security given by a tenant to a landlord to be held by the landlord on behalf of the tenant by virtue of a residential lease, including as a deposit for potential damages, advance rent, or pets, but not inclusive of rent, nonrefundable fees or other considerations not to be returned to the tenant under the terms of the residential lease, reimbursement of services or utilities provided to the tenant, or those placed to secure the availability of the rental unit more than 60 days prior to the commencement of the rental period.
(6) Unfair Rental Practice. ***
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