Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Philadelphia rental licensing and our services.
Do I need a rental license for Philadelphia?
If you rent out dwelling/rooming/sleeping units in Philadelphia, you generally need an L&I Rental License, subject to limited exemptions (e.g., certain owner-occupied scenarios). We help owners confirm whether their property is covered and handle the licensing steps if it is.
Can I rent (or collect rent) without the license?
City materials emphasize that required-to-be-licensed properties must have a valid rental license issued. Separately, lacking a valid license can also block required tenant paperwork like Suitability Certificates. Our goal is to help owners become compliant before issues arise.
Do I need a Certificate of Rental Suitability?
Yes—owners must give tenants a Certificate of Rental Suitability before move-in; it's obtained through eCLIPSE and there is no fee. The certificate must be issued no more than 60 days prior to the start of the tenancy.
What blocks a rental license application most often?
Missing tax/CAL setup, missing lead-safe/lead-free certification (or exemption), unresolved violations, or unclear lawful occupancy. We help identify and resolve these blockers before filing.
Is lead certification really required?
Philadelphia's published guidance ties lead-safe/lead-free certification to executing/renewing leases and receiving/renewing rental licenses (with exemptions like post-1978 construction and certain housing types). For many units, especially pre-1978, treat it as non-optional.
How often do I renew?
Philadelphia treats the Rental License fee as annual and the license is renewed on a regular basis through L&I. The license is non-transferable and should be renewed timely to avoid downstream issues.
Where do I get help if eCLIPSE is confusing or I have licensing questions?
Use 311 (or 215-686-8686 outside the city) and L&I inquiry/request forms. We also handle the eCLIPSE filing process for you as part of our service.
Can you help if I already started my Philadelphia rental license application?
Yes. We can often step in after an application has been started to help organize documents, resolve blockers (tax/CAL, lead certification, violations), and complete the eCLIPSE submission process.
Still have questions?
Contact us or start your order to begin the rental licensing process.