2012 Philadelphia Rental Property Lead Law

Aug 18, 2014

Children First initiated a successful two-year campaign that resulted in Philadelphia City Council passing a law in December 2011 requiring landlords to test their properties for lead hazards to prove they are lead-safe and help protect young tenants from lead poisoning.

At the time the law was passed, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health reported that 55% of properties that poison Philadelphia children were rental properties. The city’s Property Maintenance Code requires landlords to maintain their properties free of lead-based paint hazards, and many did but too many did not. Philadelphia is an old city with 95% of its housing stock built before 1978 when lead-based paint was banned for residential use. Consequently, many homes in the city have the potential to poison children.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health maintains a webpage with detailed information regarding the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in terms of this law – which includes an informational document for tenants and a guide for landlords. Click here to view these documents and several others.

Attend a Community Budget Meeting

Philadelphia students cannot afford fewer teachers or other support staff. City Council can vote to prevent those cuts. Speak up on behalf of students! Attend one (or more) of the upcoming public events and tell councilmembers, “No cuts to schools!” Sign Up, Show Up, Speak Up because Our Kids Are Worth It. Need help with your testimony? Check out our testimony as well as these talking points. We can also help – reachout to frangyp@childrenfirstpa.org. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.

Postcards: Print, Sign & Share

These postcards are available for your community group or organization to print and share with your members. Postcards can be dropped off to 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 600 or you can scan and send to info@childrenfirstpa.org. We also have printed postcards available to pick up at our office. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.

Lower Travel Costs! Options are available.

The Mayor’s proposed tax on ride share companies will protect public schools and ensure students have the resources they deserve. If ride share companies choose to pass these costs directly onto riders, there are options for individuals with disabilities to help lower their travel costs. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.