Renting Out a Property in Philadelphia: Licenses and Requirements
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Philadelphia has specific rules for landlords, and getting them right protects your income and your ability to collect rent. Here is an overview. Requirements change, so confirm current rules with the city.
Rental License
Landlords need a rental license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections for each rental property, along with a Commercial Activity License. Without a valid rental license, a landlord can be barred from collecting rent or evicting a tenant for nonpayment.
Lead Safety
Rental properties built before 1978 must be certified lead safe or lead free under the city’s lead disclosure and certification law, and the certification must be provided to tenants.
Certificate of Rental Suitability
Before a new lease begins, landlords must give tenants a Certificate of Rental Suitability and the city’s tenant handbook, Partners for Good Housing.
Pricing and Placement
Compliance is the baseline. Max prices your unit from current rental comps, markets it to qualified tenants and screens applicants carefully, so you place the right tenant without long vacancies.
