City Targets Out-of-Town Landlords
This new regulation, passed by unanimous vote of the City Council, is aimed at curbing noise and trash complaints that they say go unheeded when a landlord lives outside the city or surrounding areas.
The new rule applies to all landlords who do not live in Philadelphia or its suburbs, and own three residential properties, a rooming house or a multifamily building with at least four units.
The council is also considering legislation to fine landlords for tenant noise complaints.
In addition, the city may soon require that all pre-1978 buildings be physically inspected for lead paint hazards.
Recently, the council’s “Rental Suitability Law”, a requirement that all rentals be certified “decent”, was challenged by landlords as too vague for compliance. The council has backed off enforcement for now as it strives to rewrite this legislation.
Philadelphia also passed an ordinance allowing its public utility to lien rental properties in the event a tenant leaves and doesn’t pay the heating bill. See Landlord Lien for more.
Philadelphia is not alone! See New Law Will Stick it to Landlords.
American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for landlords related to your commercial housing investment, including real estate forms, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.
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