Philadelphia City Council is expected to consider legislation that would bar landlords from charging tenants what tenant advocates consider “junk fees” — required payments that fall outside of the monthly rent. At a news conference, renters and elected officials railed against the fees while formally launching the “End Rental Ripoffs” campaign. Standing in front of City Hall, they said tenants rarely benefit from these fees and that they’re largely used to enrich landlords. The fees are sometimes assessed to help cover trash removal and internet service, as well as to maintain some shared amenities, including swimming pools. It’s unclear when the measure will be introduced, but tenant organizers say it may be part of a legislative package aimed at cutting costs for renters amid an ongoing affordable housing crisis. Organizers behind the “End Rental Ripoffs” campaign are also calling for city council members to draft legislation restricting landlords’ use of artificial intelligence for maintenance requests and rental arrears calculations.
Source: PlanPhilly; 10/1/2026 and 10/8/2026