This week’s testimony came as lawmakers prepare to take a final vote on legislation authorizing the city to launch the program, which would bring Philadelphia in line with other big cities across the country.
The department does not need the legislation to pass to create the program, but proponents say having political support could help make the case for a more permanent program down the line.
Fair housing advocates have pushed for a proactive rental inspections program for years. They say many tenants fear they’ll be evicted if they speak up about dangerous living conditions, and that having such a program would help reduce the possibility of that kind of retaliation.
At present, city inspectors only investigate a property if a formal complaint is filed with L&I. Last October, the department launched a virtual property inspections program to complement its in-person visits.
“This is a fundamental shift in how Philadelphia approaches housing safety — from a complaint-driven system to one that prevents harm before we get there, before it happens,” Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke said.
The push for a proactive program is part of a broader legislative effort to prevent landlord retaliation, particularly against low-income tenants who often cannot afford to move.
Those bills have come under fire from landlords and their advocates, prompting two property owners to file a lawsuit to block the legislation.