Two Philadelphia landlords are trying to invalidate city council legislation aimed at strengthening protections for city renters. They filed a motion seeking permission to amend an existing lawsuit with new allegations that the bills are unconstitutional because they violate “fundamental property rights.” If granted by a judge, the complaint would also be modified with additional claims that the council's housing committee violated the state’s open meetings laws. The filing escalates an ongoing battle between fair housing advocates and independent landlords over two bills that are part of the Safe Healthy Homes Act, a legislative package that Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke introduced last April. Supporters say the legislation will help reduce instances of landlord retaliation and empower tenants to speak out about dangerous living conditions. Landlords argue the legislation will instead harm their businesses while doing little to hold bad actors accountable. The full council is currently expected to take a final vote on the legislation on April 16. It is unclear what effect the new allegations will have on that timeline.
Source: PlanPhilly; 3/31/2026