Every landlord or entity that rents-out a residential housing unit in Philadelphia is required to obtain a rental license (formerly known as a housing inspection license).  The rental license itself is one piece of the compliance puzzle. There are prerequisites to being able to get the rental license, and then there are other things you must do or fulfill after you get the actual license. The following is a simple step-by-step guide to walk you through the process of getting your rental license(s):

Step 1: Obtain a Commercial Activity License and a Philadelphia Business Tax Account Number

If you need help obtaining your commercial activity license and housing rental license please click here and fill out the form and our team will get both of your licenses obtained and delivered.

Step 2: Confirm that You have the Zoning Approval & Certificate of Occupancy for the Property 

You will not be able to acquire your housing rental license(s) if you do not have the zoning/use permit for the property in question.

Step 3: Ensure There Are No Outstanding Violations on the Property

The City of Philadelphia will not issue your rental license(s) if there are any outstanding violations assigned to the property.

Step 4: Make Sure Your Taxes Are Paid-Up

The City of Philadelphia will not issue your rental license(s) if there are any taxes owed on the property. 

Step 5: Lead Paint Due Diligence

If the property in question was built prior to 1978 and will be occupied by a group that includes a child under the age of 6 years old, you must take the necessary steps to confirm that the property is lead-free or lead safe. You are held responsible for this by law and will be required to confirm this on the rental license application, as well as required to provide the tenants with certain statements and materials.

Step 6: Fill Out a Housing Rental License Application

If you need help obtaining your commercial activity license and housing rental license please click here and fill out the form and our team will get both of your licenses obtained and delivered 

Don’t forget: You must renew your housing rental license annually.

Hopefully this guide will help you take the steps necessary to get your licenses. If not, we can help.

We can do the heavy-lifting for you! It’s a lot of steps and things can fall to the wayside when you try to do it yourself. It doesn’t make much sense to avoid getting it done, as you will be way worse-off in the long run for not doing your due diligence and getting your licenses.

Fill out the form to get started.