Councilmember O'Rourke introduces Safe Healthy Homes Act; renters and tenant groups urge enforcement and repairs

Councilmember Nicholas O'Rourke on April 10 introduced three bills collectively described as the Safe Healthy Homes Act, aimed at strengthening property licensing, tenant protections and creating an anti-displacement fund in Philadelphia.

The ordinances would (1) amend licensing and owner-accountability code to allow proactive inspections, public reporting and enhanced remedies for tenants; (2) revise landlord-tenant law to add good-cause eviction protections, anti-retaliation measures and a tenant right to organize; and (3) authorize creation of an anti-displacement fund administered by the Department of Planning and Development and add notice requirements to cease-operations orders. Each bill was referred to the appropriate committee for consideration.

Public commenters during the second-reading calendar voiced strong support for the package and urged swift action. Sean Fleming of Renters United told council, "We all could benefit from it," describing his own experience of landlord harassment. Seneca Grant described alleged long-term harassment and discrimination by a management company at a subsidized property. Diana Coleman and Mark Quincy, speaking for community groups, stressed that unhealthy housing — mold, pests, broken heat and plumbing — is a public-health issue and urged inspectors and stronger enforcement.

Councilmember O'Rourke framed the measures as establishing three core rights for renters: a right to safety, a right to repairs, and a right to relocation when displacement is required to complete necessary repairs. He said the bills will create enforcement mechanisms and relocation assistance so tenants do not shoulder the cost of emergency moves. The ordinances were introduced and assigned to committee; there was no final vote recorded on April 10.

Tenant unions and community organizations signaled plans to continue public engagement and to seek committee hearings. Speakers requested clearer timelines for enforcement, stronger remedies for retaliation and explicit protections for seniors and people with disabilities. Council staff and sponsors indicated next steps will include committee referral, stakeholder briefings and opportunities for public hearings.