Erie City Council has amended its Tenant Bill of Rights to let landlords keep a $15 application fee, even if an applicant is denied housing. The change was made to cover screening costs and bring Erie’s policy in line with Pennsylvania state law. Officials say it’s a minor revision meant to clarify and balance rights for both parties.
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Fee Refund Policy Gets Revised
Under the previous version of Erie’s Tenant Bill of Rights, landlords had to refund the $15 application fee to any potential tenant who was not approved. The new amendment removes that requirement, allowing landlords to retain the fee even if the tenant is denied housing.
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Aligning With Statewide Law
Council members described the change as a small but necessary step to bring Erie’s ordinance in line with Pennsylvania’s broader legal framework. By adjusting the refund rule, the city eliminates a local policy that was out of step with commonwealth guidelines.
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Screening Costs Prompted the Change
The adjustment is tied to the real cost of running background checks. Landlords had expressed concerns that they were frequently absorbing screening expenses for applicants who ultimately were not selected. The amended ordinance allows them to offset those costs by keeping the $15 fee.
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No Other Language Affected
According to Council Member Tyler Titus, the change impacts only the fee refund clause. All other tenant protections and ordinance language remain intact. The amendment does not remove or weaken any existing renter rights outlined in the original document.
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Encouraging Dialogue, Not Division
Titus emphasized that the update has helped open new lines of communication between renters and landlords. By clarifying expectations around fees, the ordinance is creating space for more cooperative relationships and improving mutual understanding in the rental process.
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Designed to Be Fair for All
The revised rule aims to balance the financial realities for landlords with the need for transparency for tenants. Both parties now have clearer expectations before a rental application is submitted, reducing potential disputes and confusion about fee handling.
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Broader Housing Conversations Continue
While the fee change is relatively narrow, council members hope the updated rule supports a larger conversation about renter education and landlord responsibilities. Titus noted the ordinance is helping frame what both sides need to know to create more stable rental agreements.
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