The City of Pittsburgh's Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) has initiated a public comment period for a new residential rental permit program, intended to secure the safety and living standards of the city's renters. A public notice indicated that from August 1, residents are encouraged to offer their insights and appraisals regarding the initiative that will run for 60 days until September 30, according to an official announcement.

The ordinance termed 2022-0270, the legislation that dodged the desks of city officials last year, fundamentally tweaks the city code to include a mandatory permit for rental housing units. Given Pittsburgh's demographic leans heavily on the side of renters, the program is crafted to function as a bulwark against substandard living conditions. Mayor Gainey, in a statement obtained by the city's announcement platform, pronounced, "Pittsburgh is a majority renter city, and that is why programs like these are essential,” said Mayor Gainey. “Rental Registration is the first step to ensuring that all of our residents have access to housing that is healthy and safe."

Citizens have been directed to submit their thoughts and opinions online through the program's feedback portal. Following the closure of the public commentary phase, the PLI commits to a review period lasting at least sixty days, after which, it expects to lay the final Rules and Regulations before the City Council on about December 1.