Two new bills aimed at making renting more affordable in Philadelphia became law this week.

One bill caps apartment application fees at the cost a property owner incurs for a background check or credit check — or $50, whichever is less. It also forbids landlords from charging the same prospective tenant more than one background check fee in a 12-month period.

The other bill allows prospective tenants to pay a portion of their security deposits in installments, if the deposit is more than one month's rent.

Councilmember Rue Landau was the lead sponsor of the bills. With the legislation on the floor earlier this year, she noted that tenants are struggling, spend a significant portion of their incomes on rent, and face obstacles to moving to a new place.

"It's about ensuring that people a

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