“As someone who has faced housing insecurity firsthand, I know these protections will have enormous impact on Philadelphia families,” Brooks said.
Landlords testified before the vote that the act is unfair, that they’ve been hurt by COVID-19 too, but it passed unanimously.
The bill was one of five protecting renters, a group effort by Brooks, Helen Gym and Jamie Gauthier.
The other bills extend the moratorium to August 31, mandate that landlords engage in an eviction diversion program, give renters time to repay back rent and provide additional guards against illegal lock-outs.
Related
Gauthier called it a pivotal moment.
“Housing is a human right and today we are taking bold action to ensure this right is upheld for every Philadelphian,” Gauthier said.
The meeting came just hours after members gave preliminary approval to a budget deal that includes nearly $40 million in cuts to police and fire, and an increase in the parking and non-resident wage taxes, among the measures to make up for revenue lost in the COVID-19 shutdown.