Philadelphia Landlord-Tenant Compliance Guide - Update

This post is an update to my July 2018 post in which I discussed Philadelphia’s Landlord-Tenant Lead Laws.

Previously, a landlord was required to obtain a “lead safe” or “lead free” certificate only for a residential unit where a child aged six or under would reside.  However, beginning in October 2020, the city has phased in a requirement that all residential landlords, with very limited exceptions, obtain a lead safe or lead free certificate in order to execute a new or renewed lease, or obtain a new or renewed rental license. 

Back in 2018, I wrote the following: “Although this certification is only required for units where kids ages six and under will reside, it’s a good idea for all landlords to obtain this certification…. It’s hard to overstate the importance of strict compliance with all these certifications.” 

This is even more true now that the lead law applies to virtually all residential tenancies.  More information on the phase-in of the new law can be found here, and the city provides written resources on compliance here.