A tenant has certain basic rights, whether written into the lease or not.  The Landlord Tenant Act of 1951 outlines these basic tenant's rights.  Since 1951 there have been certain amendments to the law, such as the "Warranty of Habitability" (1978) and the Philadelphia City Council Ordinance of 1987, making it illegal for a landlord to lock a tenant out, shut off utilities, or harass with the intention of evicting without due process.

In July 1994 the "Plain Language Contract Act" was enacted.  According to this act, all residential leases after this date must be written, organized, and designed so that they are easy to read and undertsand by consumers.

• What are your rights as a tenant?
  • Fair housing
  • A Clean, Safe place to live
    • A building that is structurally sound
    • Adequate heat
    • Hot and cold running water
    • Properly draining bathroom equipment
    • A functioning stove
    • Properly locking doors
    • Properly locking windows that work
    • No rodent/insect infestation
    • Smoke detectors/fire extinguishers/fire escapes
    • Prompt repairs by property owner/manager
• Privacy from intrusion or harassment from the landlord
• To make complaints to governmental authorities regarding violation of rights without retaliation
• Move out when necessity arises due to legitimate reasons*
  • *Please note that the tenant continues to be responsible for rent until a new tenant is found
• Have the landlord make a diligent effort to correct damages
• Have property seizures, lock-outs, or evictions only in accordance with established legal procedures
• Have a lease that guarantees these rights in writing
• What are your responsibilities as a tenant?
• Use the dwelling for residential purposes only
  • Not for business or commercial
  • Not for illegal activity
• Only the people written on the lease may live in the property
• Pay all rent and bills for which you are responsible
• Keep the dwelling safe and clean, notify landlord of any damage to property*
• *You must pay for damages caused by your actions or the actions of a guest
• Dispose of all trash and other waste in a clean and safe manner
• Use electrical, plumbing and heating facilities in a safe and careful manner
• Do not destroy, deface, damage, alter or remove any part of the premises
• Do not change locks to the premises without written permission from the property owner, who must have access to the premises at all times, in case of an emergency
• Conduct yourself in a way that does not disturb others, and ensure that your guests do not disturb others
• Report all problems with the apartment to the property owner/manager
• Leave the apartment clean and in a condition similar to the one at the beginning of the lease
• Provide proper written notice of intention to terminate or renew lease