Rent control rules in Philadelphia, PA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Pennsylvania effectively preempts local rent control. No municipality in PA, including Philadelphia, has rent control or rent stabilization laws. Philadelphia has enacted tenant protections including good cause eviction requirements and unfair rental practice prohibitions under §9-804, but cannot cap or limit rent increases.
Philadelphia operates under free-market rental pricing. State law prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper notice, typically 30 to 60 days for month-to-month tenancies and at lease renewal for fixed-term leases. Tenants' primary protection is the lease agreement itself. State tenant rights laws still apply regarding habitability, security deposits, and notice requirements.
Rent increases without proper notice: tenant may challenge. Retaliatory rent increases after complaint: prohibited under state law. Violation of lease terms: standard landlord-tenant remedies.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia regulates on-street parking through the Philadelphia Parking Authority under Phila. Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts re...
Philadelphia, PA
Although Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (and Act 74 of 2022) legalized consumer fireworks statewide, Philadelphia's Fire Code imposes some of the strictest loca...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 4 PM Code requires property maintenance but does not address orn...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through L+I...
See how Philadelphia's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.