Philadelphia, PA Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Philadelphia Code § 9-804
- Where to file
- Fair Housing Commission
- Hearing notice
- 10 days to landlord
- Retaliation window
- 1 year presumption
- Offense class
- Class III
Summary
Philadelphia bars landlords from retaliating against tenants who report Housing or Fire Code violations, and lets tenants file with the Fair Housing Commission.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, landlord, agent or other person operating or managing premises to terminate a lease with a tenant...in retaliation for: (a) any violation having been found against the premises; (b) the filing of a complaint alleging a violation... Any person aggrieved under the provisions of this Section may file a complaint with the Fair Housing Commission or may allege any violations in an initial pleading...in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Philadelphia Code § 9-804, a landlord may not terminate a lease or change its terms in retaliation for a violation being found against the premises or for a tenant filing a complaint alleging a violation. If a landlord retaliates within one year of a violation finding, the burden shifts to the landlord to prove the termination wasn't retaliatory. A tenant who believes this happened can file a complaint with the Fair Housing Commission, which sets a hearing date and sends the landlord written notice at least 10 days ahead under § 9-806, or can raise the violation in a Landlord-Tenant Court pleading instead.
Violations & Fines
Violating a Commission order or Chapter 9-800 is a Class III offense with a fine under § 1-109(3); the Commission can also order relief after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me for reporting a code violation?
Where do I file if my landlord retaliates?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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