Application Information The application is available here. To learn why your application was rejected, please send your questions in writing with an enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please note that we will not show the apartment without a completed rental application. Thanks! Rate Information Please check here for the corresponding rental rate. Please note that a security deposit equal to one month's rent as well as first month's and last month's rent are required at lease signing. We require 1 year lease periods. Background & Credit Checks A background and credit check are required to protect the interests of our tenants as well as the landlords. These checks are performed by approved tenants using mybackgroundcheck.com. This service is paid for by applicants, but the information will be at the applicant's disposal. For more information on this process, please email the landlord. Please note, background and credit checks may require information not asked in the rental application including social security number and driver's license number. Subletting Subletting is not permitted at 514 S 45th Street. Sorry, but this is a small house and to protect the interests of the other tenants sharing the building, we do not think it would be fair to allow other individuals into the house without undergoing the same application and background check as everyone else. Moving In/Moving Out BEFORE YOU MOVE IN:Inspect your rental before moving in. Ask the landlord to join you for the inspection. Consider photographing or videotaping your rental's condition. Have your landlord sign an agreement to fix things by a certain date. AFTER YOU MOVE IN: Keep organized records. File all receipts, notices, changes, repair requests and landlord correspondence. Put all correspondence between you and the landlord in writing. MOVING OUT: Put your notice to leave in WRITING. Clean your rental thoroughly, inside and out. Read your lease to see what it requires for notice. Inspect your rental before handing in keys. Consider photographing or videotaping your rental's condition. Make sure your landlord has your forwarding address. Any deductions must be itemized and sent to you within 30 days after the end of the lease. Basic Leasing Laws The "Plain Language Contract Act" was enacted in July 1994. According to this act, all residential leases after this date must be written, organized, and designed so that they are easy to read and understand by consumers. Regulations The Landlord Tenant Act of 1951 which was amended by the Philadelphia City Council in 1987 gives tenants certain basic rights, making it illegal for a landlord to lock a tenant out, shut off utilities, or harass with the intention of evicting without due process; whether written into the lease or not. Since 1951 there have been certain amendments to the law, such as the "Warranty of Habitability" (1978) and the Philadelphia City Council Ordinance of 1987, Under the implied warranty of habitability the tenant has an obligation to pay rent and the landlord has an obligation to maintain habitable [safe, sanitary and fit] premises depend upon each other. If the landlord breaks his or her obligation to keep the premises in a reasonable fit condition, this may relieve the tenant from his obligation to pay part or all of his rent until the landlord makes all necessary repairs. The landlord must be given notice of needed repairs and a reasonable opportunity to make repairs, but he does not have to promise to repair before the tenant may withold rent. The warranty of habitability is required by law in all leases (oral and written). Warranty of Habitability, includes: structurally sound building, waterproof roofs, ceilings, and walls, walls and woodwork properly painted (no peeling-off paint), adequate heat in winter, hot and cold running water, bathroom equipment and drains that work properly, functioning stove, doors that lock properly, windows that work and can be locked, apartment/house free from infestation with roaches and/or rodents, a building with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire escapes; Repairs to be made promptly and properly by property owner/manager; Enforce the right to habitable premises by using legal remedies such as repair and deduct, rent reduction, rent withholding, or move out of uninhabitable premises with the right to recover all prepaid rent and deposits. Fair Housing Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is otherwise known as the Fair Housing Act. It states that you cannot be discriminated against in any type of housing related transaction because of your Race, Gender, Religion, National Origin or Color. This Act was amended in 1988 to include Familial Status (i.e. the presence of children under the age of 18 in a family) and Handicap. In the State of Pennsylvania, the Human Relations Act also includes the protected class of Age (for those over 40). In this area, the Cities of Reading and Philadelphia also have local coverage and include other protected classes such as Marital Status, Sexual Preference and Source of Income. It is wise to determine if your state or locality has its own Human Relations Act that includes different protected classes. Lead Paint Considering the age of this house, some lead paint remains. Buildings built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, chips and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling as required by U.S. law. Lessees must also receive a Federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention. Download the EPA pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention here. Leasor's Disclosure: 514 S 45th Street has lead levels above the acceptable range established by EPA guidelines. Potential hazards include interior painted, interior and exterior doors and frames, and exterior wood work. While there is lead-based paint present, it is not a hazard unless it is peeling because it is under several coats of non-lead-based paint. Contact Information Kate Wurges: (717)507-9226 514 S 45th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 kate@universitycityapartment.com |