PHILADELPHIA – Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) will begin enforcing new protections under the Fair Practices Ordinance. This legislation, introduced by District 3 Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, seeks to combat housing discrimination by expanding the scope of protected classes for renters.

City Council strengthened the City of Philadelphia’s Fair Practices Ordinance to combat rampant discrimination against families using housing vouchers,” said Gauthier. “Now that these protections have gone into effect, voucher holders will have an easier time accessing affordable housing as well as additional tools to exercise their legally enshrined rights.”

The ordinance now explicitly prohibits landlords and property managers from discriminating against tenants based on their source of income, including payments made through housing vouchers.

“Everyone deserves a fair chance to secure a home, regardless of how they pay. This new legislation paves the way for safe and accessible housing throughout Philadelphia,” said Kia Ghee, PCHR Executive Director.

Under the Fair Practices Ordinance, the expanded protections for Philadelphia’s renters include:

  • Explicitly naming rental vouchers, such as PHA’s Housing Choice “Section 8” voucher, as an example of protected housing assistance programs.
  • Explicitly stating that it is illegal to advertise or communicate that housing vouchers cannot be used to rent or buy a property.
  • Prohibiting property owners from refusing to rent or restricting services or repairs in a manner that denies access to voucher holders.
  • Requires property owners to complete the necessary paperwork for processing rental vouchers promptly, without premeditated delays.
  • Allows renters to seek immediate legal recourse with the help of private legal counsel if needed.
  • Mandates that renters receive a ‘Notice of Right to Sue’ if PCHR’s investigation is not concluded within 100 days.
  • Extends the judicial review period to 90 days to improve the renters’ ability to appeal decisions.

 

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Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is the City’s official civil rights agency. Our mission is to fight discrimination, promote equality, and build strong communities.

For more information, visit our website at phila.gov/humanrelations.

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