The Philadelphia Housing Authority administers federal Housing Choice Vouchers across the city. Landlords may not refuse vouchers because Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance makes source of income a protected class for housing.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) operates the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program funded by HUD, paying part of the rent directly to the landlord. Units must pass an HQS or NSPIRE inspection and rent must fit within PHA payment standards. Landlords sign a HAP contract along with a separate lease meeting Pennsylvania law. Because Phila. Code 9-1108 protects source of income, refusing a qualified voucher applicant for that reason is a fair-housing violation enforced by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. The Renters Access Act also limits screening criteria and requires written denial reasons.
Refusing a voucher tenant or steering them away can produce PCHR enforcement action, civil penalties, restitution, and federal HUD complaints.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance, Code 9-1108, makes source of income a protected class. Landlords cannot refuse Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Secur...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has good cause eviction protections. Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice with good cause reasons to terminate or not renew a...
Philadelphia, PA
Phila. Code §9-3902 requires a rental license for every dwelling unit let for occupancy. The annual fee is $55 per unit, with a maximum of $22,000 per buildi...
See how Philadelphia's section 8 voucher acceptance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.