Reclaim Philadelphia backs affordable housing bills to reduce application costs

In a recent meeting of the Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and The Homeless, significant discussions centered around the pressing issue of housing affordability in the city. The meeting highlighted the introduction of the Move-In Affordability Plan, which aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by renters.

Seth Anderson Overman, the executive director of Reclaim Philadelphia, passionately advocated for the plan, emphasizing the personal impact of housing instability. Overman recounted his childhood experiences of frequent relocations due to financial constraints, illustrating how such instability affects not just living conditions but also education and overall well-being. He pointed out that current rental practices in Philadelphia often require exorbitant upfront costs, including first and last month’s rent, security deposits, and application fees, which can total thousands of dollars. This financial barrier, he argued, exacerbates homelessness and overcrowding, particularly among low-income families.

The Move-In Affordability Plan proposes several key reforms: capping application fees at $50 or the actual cost of a background check, banning landlords from charging applicants multiple times within a year, allowing renters to submit their own background checks, and capping security deposits at two months' rent. Additionally, it would enable renters to pay deposits in installments and require landlords to return deposits within 30 days of move-out. Overman described these measures as essential steps toward ensuring housing is recognized as a human right, rather than a privilege for the wealthy.

Joy Parham Thomas, another speaker at the meeting, shared her own struggles with housing affordability, particularly as a millennial navigating the challenges of the rental market. She highlighted the need for deeper systemic changes beyond the proposed bill, pointing out that unregulated rent and predatory landlord practices continue to plague the city. Parham Thomas urged the council to address these root issues to create a more equitable housing landscape.

Sultan Smalley, representing the Sunrise Movement, echoed the sentiments of Overman and Parham Thomas, stressing the urgency of the housing crisis in Philadelphia. He noted that many renters are burdened by unregulated application fees, which persist even when applications are rejected. With nearly half of renters in Philadelphia considered cost-burdened, the need for reform is critical.

The discussions during this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the housing crisis in Philadelphia and the need for legislative action to protect renters. The Move-In Affordability Plan, while not a comprehensive solution, represents a significant step toward addressing the barriers that many residents face in securing stable housing. As the council considers these proposals, the voices of advocates and community members underscore the importance of prioritizing the needs of renters in the ongoing dialogue about housing policy in the city.