Guide to Philadelphia Rental Licenses
A rental license is required in Philadelphia to rent a dwelling, rooming or sleeping units to tenants in Philadelphia. We will review commonly asked questions landlords have when it comes to rental licenses. For assistance registering for a rental license please contact us at 215-740-6038 or info@phillyrentallicense.com
When do I need a rental license?
A rental license is required when renting any residential dwellings, rooming or boarding houses, assisted living facilities, dormitories, hotels, motels, hostels, bed & breakfasts, and short term rentals without a primary resident.
I just purchased a property that already has a rental license from the previous owner. Do I still need to register for a license?
Yes. Rental licenses are NOT transferable between property owners. The owner of a property must have a rental license associated with their name, proof of ownership, commercial activity license and Philadelphia tax account.
My property has multiple units, do I need a separate rental license for each unit?
No. One rental license will be registered to the property and OPA number. The rental license will specify how many units the property is legally zoned for.
Will my rental license expire?
Yes. The rental license is valid for 12 months. When the license is nearing its expiration date (approx 30 days in advance) the owner can renew the license for an additional 12 months. A landlord is required to maintain an active rental license at all times.
Am I required to test my property for lead based paint to apply for a rental license?
It depends. All properties built prior to 1978 must be tested for lead based paint to apply for a rental license. The test must be completed by an EPA certified lead dust sampling technician or a PA licensed lead inspector-risk assessor. Once the test is completed, you must provide the city with copies of the lead based paint test results and lead free or lead safe certificate. The test results will be valid for four years from the testing date.
Properties built in or after 1978 are not required to be tested for lead based paint. However, an exemption must still be filed with the city of Philadelphia.
Can I apply for a rental license before I purchase the property?
No. A rental license can only be applied for when you actively on the property. In order to submit a rental license application, you must provide the city with proof of ownership.
If I am residing in my rental property am I still required to have a rental license?
Yes. If you reside in the property or a unit of the property but are renting it out to tenants then you are required to have an Owner Occupied Rental License. This type of rental license declares that the owner lives in the property that is being rented. If you are living in a multifamily property there is no fee for owner occupied units.
Philly Rental License is an expediter with the city of Philadelphia who can apply for your rental license. To learn more about how we can help you with your rental license please contact us at 215-740-6038 or info@phillyrentallicense.com
