December 5, 2025
Two new bills aimed at making renting more affordable in Philadelphia became law this week.
One bill caps apartment application fees at the cost a property owner incurs for a background check or credit check, or $50, whichever is less. It also forbids landlords from charging the same prospective tenant more than one background check fee in a 12-month period.
The other bill allows prospective tenants to pay a portion of their security deposits in installments, if the deposit is more than one month’s rent.