2nd Ward Democrats Support Safe and Healthy Homes Act

As Democratic Committee People representing families in our area of South Philadelphia, we support the Safe Healthy Homes Act because every resident deserves to live with dignity. Throughout our ward, many of our neighbors are forced to live with mold, lead paint, leaks, and structural hazards that put their health and safety at risk. This is a crisis. For too long, our approach has been reactive – to punish only the worst offenders while our neighbors live in dilapidated conditions. It is past time to solve this crisis proactively.

While most landlords do the right thing, loopholes in the current system let slumlords evade enforcement, leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation for profit. This Act closes those loopholes by strengthening consequences for landlords who don’t follow the law – giving our property code the teeth it needs to keep us all safe. Tenants shouldn’t have to suffer because some landlords grow their profit margins by letting their tenants’ homes fall apart around them. If enacted, this law would level the playing field for honest landlords competing with bad actors who refuse to follow the law.

Today, tenants often fear speaking up because they risk harassment, retaliation, or even displacement. The Act empowers tenants to protect themselves and fight back when their landlord is breaking the law, and protects tenants from retaliation for organizing. It would also create a displacement fund to support tenants if they are forced to leave due to unsafe conditions or necessary repairs. We can empower renters to raise their concerns and keep themselves safe.

The Act moves Philadelphia away from a crisis-driven system toward a proactive, preventative approach that helps keep homes safe and prevents costly emergencies that displace families. Together, these bills strengthen enforcement, support tenants, and promote safer, healthier homes for all Philadelphians. Together, we can build a city that we are all proud to call home.