Move-in Affordability Plan Aims to Cut Philly Move-in Fees

Have you ever tried to move into a new place, and it felt like the deposit alone could fund a small vacation? The cost adds up really fast. You pay movers, a two-month deposit, and a security deposit—sometimes even more if you have a pet. By the time you’re settled, you’re already broke. That’s exactly why Philly is stepping in with a plan to make things easier for renters. It’s called the Move-In Affordability Plan. 

But what exactly is this plan? How does it work? And more importantly, could it make a real difference for tenants across the city? Let’s dig into what the Philadelphia government is proposing, and what it could mean for your next move. Read along to know more.

Main Takeaways

• The Move-In Affordability Plan in Philadelphia aims to ease financial burdens by capping application fees at $20, allowing security deposits to be paid in four monthly installments, and eliminating redundant fees for multiple applications.
• Reducing Financial Barriers – Renters will be able to submit their own accredited background checks (if completed within 30 days), further cutting down on unnecessary costs when applying for homes.
• Philadelphia’s Response to Housing Challenges – With about half of Philly’s residents being renters, Councilmember Rue Landau’s proposed bills target the steep upfront costs preventing tenants from securing affordable housing.

What is the Move-In Affordability Plan?

As a property management company in Philadelphia, we’ve seen firsthand how tough moving can be for renters, especially when it comes to the upfront costs. That’s why we’re paying close attention to a new proposal that could make a real difference.

In January 2025, Councilmember Rue Landau introduced two bills to the City Council to help ease the housing crisis. The goal? Cut down high move-in costs like security deposits and application fees that are weighing heavily on renters.

In her own words, Landau said, “Housing is a human right, but affording it is impossible for many Philadelphians. I introduced the Move-In Affordability Plan to help renters like them.”

This plan is designed to make moving more affordable and protect tenants from being overcharged when starting a new lease. But before we look at how the plan works, let’s talk about the real problem renters are facing in Philly right now.

The Problem: Philly’s Expensive Move-In Fees

For many renters in Philly, the excitement of finding a new place quickly turns into stress once the bills start rolling in. Tenants usually have to pay first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and application fees—all at once. That can add up to thousands of dollars. Plus, although there are many housing providers in the city who strive to have affordable rates, there are also plenty of others with rates that are sky-high. This makes it hard for many people to even consider moving to Philly, even when they don’t like where they live or when they need to get closer to the workplace.

What Could Be Changing: Key Points from Rue Landau’s Bills

Councilmember Rue Landau says Philly is one of the most populated cities. Here, about half the people who live here are renters. But more and more of them are leaving because some of the renting costs, like move-in costs, are just too much.

To help fix this, she’s proposed a set of bills aimed at making it easier (and cheaper) for people to move into new homes. But what exactly is the goal of the move-in affordability plan? If the government passes it, it will cut down the fees and deposits that have made life harder for tenants. Here is what the bills suggest: 

1. Capping Rental Application Fees: The bill suggests application fees to be limited to $20 or the actual cost of a background check, whichever is lower. 
2. Pay Security Deposits in Installments: Renters will be allowed to split their security deposit into four smaller monthly payments instead of paying it all at once. This helps make moving in a lot more affordable.
3. No More Paying Excessive Application Fees: In Philadelphia, it’s common for renters to pay separate application fees for each property they apply to, even if it’s with the same landlord. This protects tenants from paying unnecessary fees again and again. 
4. Tenant-Provided Background Checks: Councilmember Rue Landau has proposed legislation allowing renters to submit their own background checks, provided they’re from an accredited agency and completed within the last 30 days. This aims to reduce application costs for tenants.

Making Move-Ins Easier—Together

If the Move-In Affordability Plan moves forward, renters in Philly could get some big cuts. Imagine only paying $20 for an application—or even less. Plus, you could have the option to split your security deposit into smaller, manageable payments. It’s a big step toward making moving less stressful and more affordable.

But even with new rules in place, renters still need a team that looks out for them. That’s where we come in. At Bay Property Management Group, we keep up with all the latest housing regulations, make sure your lease (and rental) protects your rights, and provide rentals of all price points so that you find a home that meets your needs. Look at our listings to get started!