Philadelphia landlord compliance, explained
Short, specific answers to the questions landlords actually search for.
How to get a Philadelphia rental license: the complete 2026 guide
Read → TrackerThe November 1, 2026 rental law, requirement by requirement
Read →Can a landlord collect rent without a rental license in Philadelphia?
No. Philadelphia Code 9-3902 bars rent collection without a valid rental license, and from Nov 1, 2026 tenants can recover rent and $1,000 per violation.
Read →How much does a Philadelphia rental license cost in 2026?
A Philadelphia rental license costs $69 per unit per year. Add lead testing for pre-1978 buildings. Full 2026 cost breakdown with examples.
Read →How to look up a Philadelphia rental license by address
How to check whether a Philadelphia property has an active rental license, when it expires, and whether it has open L&I violations, using free city data.
Read →Lead-safe vs lead-free certification in Philadelphia: which do you need?
Philadelphia pre-1978 rentals need lead-safe (valid 4 years) or lead-free (never expires) certification. Costs, testing and which to choose.
Read →The 30-day certificate rule for Philadelphia evictions
Starting Nov 1, 2026, Philadelphia evictions require a Certificate of Rental Suitability dated within 30 days of filing. What landlords need to do.
Read →My Philadelphia rental license expired. What now?
An expired Philadelphia rental license means you cannot legally collect rent. Here is how to get reinstated fast and avoid Nov 1, 2026 penalties.
Read →Out-of-town landlords: Philadelphia's local agent requirement
Owners who do not live in Philadelphia must name a local managing agent on their rental license. Who qualifies and what happens if you do not.
Read →Owning a Philadelphia rental in an LLC: getting the names to match
The most common reason Philadelphia rental license applications stall: the LLC on the deed does not match the tax account or CAL. How to fix it.
Read →Buying a Philadelphia rental? The license does not transfer
Rental licenses do not transfer at settlement in Philadelphia. What buyers should check before closing and how to get licensed after.
Read →Good cause and non-renewals in Philadelphia after Nov 1, 2026
Bill 250330-AA requires good cause for any lease non-renewal in Philadelphia starting Nov 1, 2026. What counts and how it connects to licensing.
Read →Get licensed before Nov 1.
$500 flat service fee per property + city fees at cost. We handle the city, the paperwork, and the follow-up.