This week\u2019s 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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
Fair housing advocates have pushed for a proactive rental inspections program for years. They say many tenants fear they\u2019ll 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.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a fundamental shift in how Philadelphia approaches housing safety \u2014 from a complaint-driven system to one that prevents harm before we get there, before it happens,\u201d Councilmember Nicolas O\u2019Rourke said.\n<\/p>\n