How much does a Philadelphia rental license cost in 2026?
The City of Philadelphia charges $69 per unit per year for a rental license, with a cap of $27,830 per property. The fee was $63 in late 2023 and increased to $69. Owner-occupied units are not charged.
The full cost stack
| Cost | Amount | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Rental license | $69 per unit | Every year |
| Commercial Activity License | Free | Once |
| Certificate of Rental Suitability | Free | Each tenancy, request or eviction |
| Lead-safe test (pre-1978) | About $150 to $300 per unit | Every 4 years |
| Lead-free test (pre-1978, optional) | About $450 to $550+ per unit | Once |
| Late fee | 1.5% per month | After 60 days late |
Examples
- Single-family rowhome built 1920: $69 license + about $150 to $300 lead-safe = about $219 to $369 in city and testing costs.
- Triplex built 1910: $207 license + about $450 to $900 lead-safe = about $657 to $1,107.
- 12-unit building built 2015: $828 license, lead exemption, no testing.
What does it cost to have someone do it for you?
Our flat service fee is $500 per property ($450 each additional), with city fees and testing at cost. See pricing or get an exact number from the free property check.