The most tangible sign yet of the positive partnership between the Philadelphia Housing Authority and federal housing officials comes in a form many tenants and landlords probably take for granted: a lease. The document has standard features, like security deposits and late fees, but it also codifies tenant rights and management responsibilties in a way that has bedeviled reform for years.
One of the biggest changes is that the proposed lease requires PHA to act on repair requests within 48 hours - which will force PHA workers and contractors to shape up their often careless attitudes about maintenance. The lease clearly spells out what is expected of tenants and encourages them to actively help maintain a sanitary living environment.
