How to Rent Your First Apartment
Leases, deposits, tenant rights, and what to watch out for
Renting your first apartment is one of the most significant steps toward independence — and one of the most confusing. Landlords, leases, security deposits, and tenant rights all have specific rules in Philadelphia. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you sign anything.
Practical next steps
Know what you can actually afford
A widely used guideline is that housing costs should be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. If you earn $1,500/month, your rent should ideally be $450 or less. Being honest with yourself about what you can afford prevents a lot of future hardship.
Where to search for apartments in Philadelphia
Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist (be careful of scams), and Facebook Marketplace all list Philadelphia rentals. For affordable housing: PHDC (Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation) at phdc.phila.gov lists affordable and subsidized housing options. PHA (Philadelphia Housing Authority) administers subsidized housing at pha.phila.gov.
Red flags that signal a scam
Scams are common in rental listings. Red flags: price that seems too good to be true; landlord is 'overseas' and can only communicate by email; they ask for money before you've seen the apartment; no lease is offered; they ask you to wire money or pay in gift cards. Never pay anything before you've seen the apartment in person and met the landlord.
What to check when viewing an apartment
Look for: working heat, hot water, and electricity; no visible mold or water damage; functioning locks on all doors and windows; working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; no signs of pests (droppings, nests). Take photos of everything before you move in.
Understand the lease before you sign
A lease is a legal contract. Read every section. Key things to understand: monthly rent and when it's due, late fees, the length of the lease, what utilities you're responsible for, rules about guests and pets, conditions for ending the lease early, and procedures for repairs.
Know the security deposit rules
In Pennsylvania, security deposits cannot exceed 2 months' rent in the first year. After that, they can't exceed 1 month's rent. The landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out and provide an itemized list of any deductions. Take photos of every room when you move in and move out.
Know your tenant rights in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has strong tenant protections: (1) Landlords must keep the unit habitable (heat, hot water, working locks). (2) Landlords must give notice before entering (usually 24 hours). (3) Landlords cannot retaliate against you for reporting code violations. (4) Eviction requires a formal court process — a landlord cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order.
What to do if your landlord won't make repairs
1. Put the request in writing (email or letter) with a specific deadline. 2. If unresolved, call the Philadelphia Licenses & Inspections (L&I) hotline at 215-686-9000 to request a housing inspection. 3. If the issue is serious (no heat in winter, structural danger), contact Community Legal Services for free legal help.
If you can't afford market-rate rent, know your options
Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) waiting list for subsidized housing. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (also through PHA). Rental assistance programs through the Department of Human Services. Affordable housing listings through PHDC. These lists can be long, but getting on them early is worth it.
Resource starting points
- Philadelphia Tenants Union
Tenant organizing, know-your-rights education, and support for renters in Philadelphia.
- PHA Housing Authority
Subsidized housing waiting list and housing vouchers.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Community Legal Services
Free tenant rights legal help — eviction defense, habitability issues, and security deposit disputes.
- Philadelphia Tenants Union
Tenant organizing, know-your-rights trainings, and peer support for renters facing housing issues.
- Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Free housing legal services for low-income Philadelphians including eviction defense and fair housing complaints.
- Clarifi
Housing counseling, budgeting help, and guidance on rental affordability for first-time renters.
- PHA (Philadelphia Housing Authority)
Subsidized housing waiting list and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Helpful things to know
Photograph every room on move-in day
Time-stamped photos of every scratch, stain, and mark protect your deposit when you move out. Do this before you unpack a single box.
Get everything in writing
Any agreement your landlord makes verbally — about repairs, painting, included utilities — should be in a signed addendum to your lease before you sign or pay anything.
Never pay without a signed lease
A receipt and a key is not a lease. If a landlord asks for money before providing a signed lease, walk away.
Common questions
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my race, religion, gender, or family status?
No. Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status in Philadelphia — and city law extends additional protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, and other categories. If you've experienced discrimination, contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
What if I'm evicted?
Eviction requires a court process. If you receive an eviction notice, contact Philadelphia Legal Assistance or Community Legal Services immediately. Many evictions can be fought or delayed. Never just leave because a landlord tells you to — get legal advice first.
Can I get rental assistance if I can't pay rent?
Yes. The Philadelphia Rental Assistance Program (PHRAP) and other programs have provided emergency rental assistance in the past. Call 2-1-1 or check phila.gov/rentassistance for current availability.