What are my rights when applying for housing?

I was rejected by a landlord. What do I do now?

Tenants in Philadelphia have a right to universal screening criteria before they apply, a written explanation for any rejections they receive, and reconsideration if they are rejected.

1. Immediately request reconsideration.
   • You only have 48 hours to request reconsideration, so act fast! Review a sample letter in English or en Español or click here for a pre-filled email.
   • If the landlord used any reports (like credit report or tenant screenings), ask for copies.
2. Carefully read the notice of rejection.
   • If the landlord did not send an explanation, you may ask why your application was rejected.
   • Look out for prohibited screening criteria like a policy of never renting to people with an eviction record or a credit score below a certain number.
3. Within seven days of getting the notice of rejection, give the landlord additional documentation. This may include:
   • Proof that you can afford the rent (pay stubs, a voucher, etc.)
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Explanations or proof of why problems that happened in the past will not come up again
   • If your landlord’s reason for rejecting you was not listed in the screening criteria or is prohibited, highlight the law that prohibits it

I found a place to rent. What happens now?

• Before you apply, the landlord must give you a list of written screening criteria explaining what information they use to approve or deny applications. The list must be the same for all applicants.
• After you apply, the landlord must review your rental application and cannot automatically deny you because of your credit score or eviction record.
• If you have an eviction record, the landlord cannot deny your application due to the eviction, if:
  • The case was withdrawn, dismissed or you won the case.
  • The case resulted in a judgment that has been satisfied or vacated.
  • The case resulted in a judgment by agreement that is current or has been satisfied or vacated.
  • The case filing or resulting judgment is more than 4 years old.
  • The case was filed March 2020 through September 2021 (COVID-19 Emergency Period), unless the landlord claimed violent or criminal activity.

The landlord still denied my application. What can I do?

• If the landlord did not give you written screening criteria or a written denial, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations may investigate the landlord for fair housing violations.
• If the landlord violated any part of this ordinance, you may file a lawsuit against the landlord in court for up to $2000 per violation. See our article about how to sue a landlord.