Philadelphia • Philadelphia County

Legal Documents for

Philly

Jurisdiction-correct legal document packets for Philadelphia tenants and residents. Sourced from Philadelphia city code, Pennsylvania statutes, and Municipal Court rules.

Philadelphia Court Information

What is the Safe Healthy Homes Act?

Bills 250329, 250330, and 250331 introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke amend Philadelphia Code Chapter 9-3900 to strengthen good-cause eviction protections, expand rental license enforcement, and increase tenant remedies. This packet reflects these pending amendments.

How do I respond to an eviction in Philadelphia Municipal Court?

You must appear at your scheduled hearing. The Filing Guide in this packet covers the full procedure under Municipal Court Rules 109 and 111 — what to bring, what to file, and how to assert your defenses.

Does my landlord need a rental license?

Yes. Philadelphia Code §9-3902(1) requires all residential landlords to hold a valid rental license. An unlicensed landlord may be barred from collecting rent or pursuing eviction. Use the Rental License Verification Request in this packet to confirm compliance.

Can I fight eviction if my landlord hasn't maintained the property?

Yes. Habitability failures — mold, heat, plumbing, structural defects — are affirmative defenses under Philadelphia Code Chapter 9-3900 and the PA Landlord and Tenant Act. The Housing Code Violation Report document helps you document and assert these defenses.