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Councilmember Phillips introduces ordinance requiring verifiable contact for nonresident landlords
Summary
Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Code to require nonresident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and designate a local contact; the measure was referred to committee for consideration.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced the Nonresident Landlord Accountability Ordinance to require verifiable contact information for licensed rental properties and to mandate a local agent for owners who do not live in Philadelphia.
Phillips framed the measure as targeted at irresponsible owners whose lack of responsiveness contributes to blight and housing code violations. "It requires verifiable contact information for every licensed rental property and mandates a local agent or individual within Philadelphia for any landlord who does not live in Philadelphia to be a point of contact," Phillips said. He cited more than 62,000 housing‑code violations reported to inspections over five years as part of the rationale for the measure.
Why it matters: the ordinance aims to improve landlord accountability, speed enforcement response, and provide tenants and city offices with a local point of contact when maintenance or code issues arise. Phillips also tied the issue to concerns about delayed service by the Philadelphia Water Department in parts of his district and said he would not advance related zoning measures until water issues are addressed.
Next steps: The bill was introduced and referred to the appropriate committee for review, amendment and a future public hearing. Implementation would require an administrative process to collect and verify local contact information for nonresident owners.
Quote: "This legislation changes that. It requires verifiable contact information for every licensed rental property and mandates a local agent..." — Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
