Safe Healthy Homes Act

Urged council to pass the act as a matter of human decency and safety at home.

Cited statistics that 40% of renters live in substandard housing and condemned a prior witness's 'someone will get killed' remark.

Small landlord thanked O'Rourke and Lozada for meeting with mom-and-pop landlords but said the bill creates disproportionate burdens.

Spoke emotionally about his sick mother and children, urging passage so his kids can see he helped.

Building Industry Association representative explained the group shifted from opposition to support after amendments addressed landlord concerns about liens, appeals and licensing timelines.

Described 42 years living in substandard housing and a two-week-delayed heat complaint inspection; urged passage.

A 15-year housing provider supported the bill after amendments but warned legislation is being passed 'in a vacuum' without solutions to related problems.

Supported the bills but warned the slow sheriff eviction process could hurt small mom-and-pop landlords; urged funding for rental improvement programs.

Senior Law Center housing attorney said the bills address evictions from properties with serious code violations and urged passage.

Strawberry Mansion tenant facing a cease-and-desist and May 26 vacate order urged passage of the act.

Small landlord said the bill will force rent increases, citing a $25,000 renovation and 12-month eviction timelines.

CEO of American Paradigm Schools cited 38% uncontrolled asthma rates among students and supported the act.

Veteran and fair housing advocate urged mandatory repair requirements for landlords.

Broker managing 360 units for 80 small owners asked council to hold the final vote and return the bills to committee; acknowledged O'Rourke's responsiveness.

Tenant with pulmonary problems from black mold urged passage and criticized landlord insensitivity.

Lifelong resident with a professional maintenance man said he hopes the bill passes for tenants in worse situations.

A 12-year-old who moved three times in two years due to landlord negligence asked council to vote yes.

Opposed the bill, saying it will put small operators out of business and reduce housing supply; urged a means test and graduated enforcement.

His brother suffered permanent nerve damage when a ceiling fell in a neglected building; urged passage.

Regional Housing Legal Services analyst said the bills give the city real teeth and protect responsible landlords and tenants alike.

Said proactive inspections would ensure children grow up healthy and argued opponents already live in safe homes.

Said his children are getting sick from mold in their home and urged passage.

A Lawndale renter described mice problems and said others at the renters meeting have it far worse.

A 26-year property manager said tenants deserve safe housing but the bills tip the balance too far against landlords, citing fake leases and tenant-caused violations.

Invoked the Declaration of Independence in arguing tenants cannot exercise life, liberty or happiness in unsafe homes.

A realtor for Lexie McDowell said the good-cause sale timelines don't match real-world closing schedules and could leave first-time buyers stranded.

Described nine months of a leak dripping on him at his only toilet and unanswered L&I complaints, in support of the bills.

Said she is on oxygen today because of a negligent landlord and urged passage.

A lifelong renter described living without heat and urged a yes vote next week, noting the housing committee passed the bills unanimously twice.

A broker managing 400 units for small owners asked Council to postpone the vote and craft a citywide standard lease instead.

Thanked O'Rourke, Lozada, and the mayor for proactive inspections funding, saying low-income residents finally feel seen.

One PA Renters United member said the measures would have protected her health; described a member hospitalized with asthma from rodent-infested housing.