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?
If your question is not covered here, contact us and we'll help. You can also start your order when you're ready.