Are You Making These 7 Common Philadelphia Rental Application Mistakes? (And How the New Laws Help)

Looking for an apartment in Philadelphia just got a whole lot fairer, thanks to new rental laws that took effect today, December 3, 2025! But even with these tenant protections in place, many renters are still making costly mistakes during the application process that could cost them their dream apartment – or worse, their hard-earned money.

Whether you're a first-time renter or you've been through this process before, understanding both common pitfalls and your new rights under Philadelphia's updated housing laws can save you hundreds of dollars and countless headaches. Let's dive into the seven most common rental application mistakes we see every day, and how the city's new regulations are working to protect you.

Mistake #1: Not Understanding Application Fee Limits

Until recently, some landlords were charging excessive application fees – sometimes $100 or more per application! This created a huge barrier for families trying to secure affordable housing, especially when you had to apply to multiple properties.

How the New Laws Help: Philadelphia now caps rental application fees at $50 or the actual cost of running background and credit checks, whichever is less. Even better? If you're applying for multiple units with the same landlord, you can only be charged one application fee total. That's money back in your pocket where it belongs!

Mistake #2: Submitting Incomplete Applications

We can't stress this enough – incomplete applications are almost always rejected, no matter how qualified you are. Missing documents like pay stubs, references, or previous rental history can immediately disqualify you from consideration.

The Fix: Before you even start looking, gather all your documents in one place. You'll typically need:

• Recent pay stubs or employment verification

• Bank statements

• References from previous landlords

• Photo ID

• Any additional income documentation

Having everything ready means you can submit complete applications quickly when you find the perfect place.

Mistake #3: Not Getting Credit and Background Check Copies

Here's something that might surprise you: about 26% of consumers have at least one error on their credit reports, and 5% have errors serious enough to affect their housing eligibility. If you don't know what's on your reports, you can't fix potential problems.

How the New Laws Help: Landlords must now provide you with copies of any credit check or background check they perform. This transparency lets you spot and dispute inaccuracies before they derail your housing search. If you notice errors, you can work with credit reporting agencies to correct them for future applications.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Fair Housing Protections

Fair housing violations are unfortunately still common, and many renters don't realize when their rights are being violated. Landlords can't discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or other protected characteristics.

What to Watch For: Be cautious if landlords ask inappropriate questions about your family plans, make comments about your background, or seem to have inconsistent requirements for different applicants. Document any suspicious behavior and know that you have legal protections.

Mistake #5: Not Planning for Security Deposits

Large security deposits have traditionally been a major barrier to securing housing, especially for working families who might not have thousands of dollars available upfront. This has particularly impacted communities of color and lower-income households.

How the New Laws Help: If your landlord owns three or more units and requires a security deposit exceeding one month's rent, they must now allow you to pay it in three equal monthly installments. This makes quality housing much more accessible and gives you breathing room in your budget.

Mistake #6: Rushing Through the Screening Process

In Philadelphia's competitive rental market, it's tempting to rush through applications to beat other candidates. However, hasty applications often contain errors or miss important details that could strengthen your case.

The Better Approach: Take time to thoughtfully complete each section. Write clear, honest explanations for any potential concerns (like a gap in employment or a previous rental issue). Landlords appreciate transparency and are often willing to work with honest applicants who communicate well.

Mistake #7: Not Getting Everything in Writing

One of the biggest mistakes we see is renters who don't document their interactions with potential landlords. Verbal promises about repairs, move-in dates, or lease terms can be forgotten or misunderstood later.

Best Practice: Follow up important conversations with emails summarizing what was discussed. Save all text messages and keep copies of any documents you submit. This documentation protects you and ensures everyone's on the same page.

What These Changes Mean for You

Philadelphia's new rental laws represent a significant step forward in making housing more accessible and fair. The city recognized that excessive fees and lack of transparency were creating unnecessary barriers for families seeking quality, affordable housing.

As someone looking for housing in Philadelphia, you now have stronger protections and clearer rights. But remember – knowledge is power. Understanding both these new protections and common application mistakes gives you a significant advantage in securing your next home.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Even with new laws in place, stay alert for these warning signs:

• Landlords charging more than $50 in application fees

• Refusing to provide copies of credit or background checks

• Requiring full security deposits upfront when they own multiple units

• Asking inappropriate personal questions

• Having inconsistent application requirements

If you encounter any of these issues, document them thoroughly and consider filing a complaint with Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Getting Help When You Need It

Remember, you don't have to navigate Philadelphia's rental market alone. At Philadelphia Affordable Housing, we're committed to helping families find quality, affordable housing while understanding their rights and options.

The rental application process doesn't have to be overwhelming or unfairly expensive. With these new protections in place and a better understanding of common mistakes, you're much better equipped to find your next home in Philadelphia.

These changes are just the beginning of making Philadelphia's housing market more equitable. By staying informed about your rights and avoiding these common application mistakes, you're not only protecting yourself – you're helping create a fairer housing market for everyone in our city.

Take your time, know your rights, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your perfect Philadelphia home is out there, and now you're better prepared to secure it on fair terms.