Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance, Code 9-1108, makes source of income a protected class. Landlords cannot refuse Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, child support, or other lawful income when screening applicants or renewing leases.
Under Phila. Code 9-1108, source of income is a protected category alongside race, sex, religion, and other classes. Landlords may not advertise No Section 8, refuse to take a voucher, or apply minimum-income tests that effectively exclude voucher holders, since the rent paid by the Philadelphia Housing Authority must be excluded from such calculations. Lease renewal, pricing, and screening must be voucher-neutral. The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations investigates complaints, can issue cease-and-desist orders, and may award damages, civil penalties, and attorney fees. Pennsylvania law does not preempt this protection.
Refusing a voucher or applying income tests that exclude voucher holders triggers PCHR investigations, civil penalties, damages, and possible attorney fee awards.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Code 9-804 prohibits landlords from harassing or retaliating against tenants who assert housing rights. Conduct intended to force a tenant to va...
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Housing Authority administers federal Housing Choice Vouchers across the city. Landlords may not refuse vouchers because Philadelphia's Fair...
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...
See how Philadelphia's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.