Renting Out Property in Philadelphia? Here’s What Landlords Need to Know
Owning rental property in Philadelphia comes with more than just finding tenants and collecting rent. The City has several licensing, disclosure, and compliance requirements that landlords must follow before legally leasing a property.
If you’re preparing to rent out a property — or simply want to make sure your current rental is compliant — here are some of the most important things to keep on your radar.
You Need a Valid Rental License
Philadelphia requires landlords to maintain an active Rental License for any residential rental property.
To obtain one, landlords must first have:
A Commercial Activity License
A BIRT account number
A Federal Tax ID or Social Security Number
Zoning approval for properties with multiple units
Current license fees are:
$63 per rental unit
$150 for vacant lots or vacant properties
Without a valid license, landlords may not legally collect rent.
Don’t Forget the Certificate of Rental Suitability
Before a new tenant moves in, landlords are required to provide a Certificate of Rental Suitability.
This document confirms:
The property is properly licensed
There are no outstanding violations
The unit is considered suitable for occupancy
Landlords must also provide:
A signed suitability statement
The City’s Partners for Good Housing handbook
One important detail: the certificate must be dated on or before the lease start date.
Lead Paint Laws Have Expanded
For properties built before 1978, Philadelphia requires landlords to comply with lead paint certification laws.
Today, many landlords must certify their properties as lead-safe or lead-free in order to:
Sign new leases
Renew existing leases
Renew Rental Licenses
These regulations have expanded significantly in recent years and are now required regardless of a child’s age.
Additional information can be found here:
City of Philadelphia Lead Paint Information
Bed Bug Notices Are Required
Philadelphia landlords are also required to provide tenants with educational materials regarding bed bug prevention and responsibilities.
Many landlords include a bed bug addendum alongside their standard lease documents to help clarify expectations.
Owners Must Be Local or Have a Local Representative
Property owners must either:
Live within 25 miles of Philadelphia, or
Designate a managing agent who does
The managing agent simply needs to be available to receive notices and respond to the City if needed.
Staying Compliant Matters
Philadelphia’s rental requirements are designed to improve housing quality and tenant safety, but they also create additional responsibilities for landlords.
Staying proactive with licenses, inspections, certifications, and disclosures can save property owners time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long run.