Renting in Philadelphia is more affordable than NYC or DC, but still requires preparation. Good news: Philly is one of the most renter-friendly cities on the East Coast with reasonable prices, mostly no broker fees, and strong fair housing protections.
Step 1: Budget Planning
The 2.5-3x Income Rule
Most Philadelphia landlords require your annual income to be 2.5-3x your monthly rent. This is more relaxed than NYC's 40x rule.
What You Can Afford
| Annual Income | Monthly Rent (at 3x) |
|---|---|
| $45,000 | $1,250/month |
| $55,000 | $1,530/month |
| $65,000 | $1,800/month |
| $75,000 | $2,080/month |
| $90,000 | $2,500/month |
Upfront Costs
Here's what you'll need upfront in Philadelphia:
Typical Move-In Costs (for $1,500/mo apt)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Have these ready before you start viewing apartments:
Application Checklist
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Proof of income (2-3 recent pay stubs)
- Employment verification letter
- Bank statements (last 2-3 months)
- Credit report (landlord will pull one too)
- Previous landlord reference(s)
- Social Security Number (for credit check)
Step 3: Choose a Neighborhood
Philadelphia has distinct neighborhoods with different vibes and price points:
Popular Neighborhoods for First-Time Renters
See our complete neighborhood guide by budget →
Step 4: Research the Building
This is critical. Before you apply, research any building you're considering:
Free Building Lookup
Search any Philadelphia address on StreetSmart to see L&I violations, property info, and building scores.
Search Any BuildingBuilding Research Checklist
- L&I Violations — Look for recent violations and complaint history
- Rental License — All Philadelphia rentals need a valid license
- Ownership — Who owns it? Individual or management company?
- Google Reviews — Search the address and management company
- Walk the neighborhood — Visit at different times of day
Complete building research guide →
Step 5: Viewing the Apartment
During your viewing, check for:
- Water pressure — Run the shower and flush the toilet
- Cell service — Check signal strength in every room
- Natural light — Visit during daytime if possible
- Signs of pests — Check under sinks, behind appliances
- Heat source — Radiators? Forced air? Electric? Who pays?
- Laundry — In-unit? In-building? Nearby laundromat?
- Street parking — Is a permit required? How hard is it to find a spot?
Full list of questions to ask before signing →
Common First-Time Renter Mistakes
Avoid These Mistakes
- ✗Skipping the building research — Always check violations and reviews
- ✗Not reading the entire lease — Every clause matters
- ✗Paying in cash without receipts — Always get proof of payment
- ✗Not documenting the apartment condition — Take photos/video at move-in
- ✗Ignoring the neighborhood at night — Visit at different times
- ✗Not verifying the landlord is legitimate — Check they own the property
Your Rights as a Tenant
Philadelphia tenants have important protections:
- Fair Housing — Protection from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, family status, disability, and more
- Habitable conditions — Landlord must maintain heat, hot water, and safe conditions
- Security deposit limits — Max 2 months for first year, 1 month after
- Security deposit return — Must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions
- Rental license requirement — Landlord must have a valid license
Complete tenant rights guide →
Realistic Timeline
Apartment Hunting Timeline
Philadelphia moves slower than NYC—you usually have a few days to decide.
Resources
- StreetSmart — Free building lookup with violations and scores
- Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission — (215) 686-4670
- Community Legal Services — (215) 981-3700 — Free legal help for low-income renters
- Philly Tenant Hotline — (267) 443-2500