Licenses and Inspections (311) - https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/

Life happens and he shouldn’t make threats but they contractually agreed to a year long lease for whatever amount is stated in the lease (if the extra $200 is in the signed lease, then it’s there) so your friend needs to look at their lease to see what they’re on the hook for financially. Sometimes there are early termination provisions to get out of a lease but usually not. He can also try to negotiate with the landlord (usually two months rent + security deposit is something a landlord might concede to) but the landlord doesnt have to agree to that.

Once he formally terminates his lease (and leaves), Landlords have to make an attempt to re-rent the unit but PA law is vague on this and your friend is going to be on the hook for rent until the landlord does find a replacement which is why it’s good to look himself if possible and find a replacement.

But… if there’s no heat (below a certain temp) / hot water (generally) - his place isn’t habitable and he can stay and withhold rent (put rent in escrow, which means he’s paying rent still but paying it to a bank where it just sits)/or he can terminate the lease and leave no penalty, which is why calling L&I may be a good move so it’s documented if this goes to court. Also why it’s good to be sure everything is in writing, certified mail preferred. Heat/hot water are typically emergency repairs so if not fixed within a day or two after formal notification, there’s a basis to leave.

This guy sounds sketchy and there’s a chance he’s not a licensed rental. You can search here: https://atlas.phila.gov/ If he’s not a licensed renter, it’s also illegal for him to collect rent from your friend so he’ll have no course of action through the court system to bring a suit against your friend if they leave.