Listing a property requires landlords to know and comply with the laws and regulations of their city. Your listing is the first impression a renter will have of the space and a key factor in helping them envision it as their future home. To attract renters and be a responsible landlord, it is essential that your rental and listing comply with all your city’s requirements.
Being a landlord comes with many responsibilities, but it can be a rewarding experience, and Philadelphia is a great place to start. With a strong history, various attractions, and a close community, Philadelphia has a thriving rental market. By thoroughly researching landlord laws, you navigate the process with confidence and rent without worry.
- Requirements for listing your house for rent in Philadelphia
- Additional considerations when listing in Philadelphia, PA
Requirements for Listing Your House for Rent in Philadelphia
Each city has its own laws and regulations regarding renting. Philadelphia landlords must abide by state and local laws regarding security deposits, rent control, and more. For ease of access, Philadelphia has an online system for people to apply for licenses online called eCLIPSE. The Permit and License Center has in-person and online appointments available if you need assistance. The best way to be compliant is to read the Philadelphia Code, read the Partners in Good Housing guidebook, check the city’s website, and confer with a city professional. Before listing your house for rent in Philadelphia, ensure you’re current on the regulations and requirements for renting and listing.
Requirements for rentals in Philadelphia, PA
- Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) number: this number is used when you apply for licenses. The city uses it to identify tax accounts.
- Commercial Activity License or an Activity License Number: depending on the number of rentals on your property and if you reside there, you will need a different document. If you are renting a property that has up to three units and you live there, then you would need an activity license number. All other rental properties will need a commercial activity license.
- Zoning Permit: your property will need a zoning permit to be rented. Every business operation needs to be registered with Philadelphia through obtaining a Zoning permit.
- Rental License: everyone needs a rental license to rent out a property. These licenses are not transferable; if you bought a property that previously had a rental license, you must close the old one and get a new one.
- Proof of legal occupancy: if you have a rental, you need to submit proof that the occupancy is legal. This needs to be included in the rental license application. The most common way to do this is to get a certificate of occupancy, but other documents are accepted depending on the circumstances. The city of Philadelphia has created a flow chart to help you figure out what you need to submit.
- Certificate of Rental Suitability: when you have a new tenant, you must provide them with a certificate of rental suitability. It must have been issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) no more than 60 days before the lease start date.
- Lead safety: landlords must prove they are following Philadelphia’s rules regarding lead safety. If the building was built before March 1978, landlords must have a certified professional test and certify the property is lead free or lead safe and give that certification to tenants. If it was built after March 1978, landlords can submit a Property Owner Statement of Exemption.
- Partners in Good Housing brochure: all tenants must be given a Partners in Good Housing brochure. Rental properties must follow the housing requirements described in the Partners in Good Housing brochure, which explains the requirements in the Philadelphia Code.
- Bed bug control: controlling, preventing, and having a plan to deal with bed bugs is another requirement for landlords. Landlords must give tenants a brochure on bed bugs. They must inform them if there have been any bed bugs within 120 days and the steps taken for remediation of the issue.
Does Philadelphia have rent control?
There are no rent control or stabilization laws in Pennsylvania. There are laws regarding when rent can be increased. For example, landlords cannot raise rent in the middle of a lease term and landlords must give 60 days’ notice of a rent increase for leases with a term of one year or more. 30 days’ notice is required for leases with a term of less than one year. It is up to the landlord if they want to increase rent or not.
Do you need a license to rent out your house in Philadelphia?
In order to rent, you need a rental license. These non-transferable licenses cover all the units in a single building, but if there are multiple buildings on your property, you need a license for each building.
Is there a security deposit limit in Philadelphia?
Security deposits can, at max, be two months’ rent during the first year of renting and one month’s rent during any subsequent years.
Is your property in line with Philadelphia housing codes?
Housing codes are requirements that all rental properties must meet to be fit for renters. Inspect your property to make sure you are abiding by local housing codes. You can read about housing requirements in the Partners in Good Housing brochure. These codes include things such as bed bugs and lead safety. There are other requirements, such as:
- Openable window or acceptable ventilation in a bathroom
- Running water and hot water
- Central heating system or other approved heating system
- Recycling (is required by law in Philadelphia)
- Extermination
Additional Considerations when Listing in Philadelphia, PA
Listing your home for rent involves more than just gathering the necessary documents. There are laws regarding behaviors, processes, and more that outline landlord responsibilities. Failing to comply can cause issues, including potential legal ramifications.
Does your Philadelphia listing abide by Fair Housing laws?
One of the most important factors in creating a property listing is making sure you are abiding by Fair Housing laws. There are certain phrases and words that you cannot say in your listing. Federal fair housing laws are designed to protect:
- Familial status
- Sex and gender
- Disability
- Religion
- Race, color, or national origin
Are you abiding by the City’s Fair Housing Ordinance?
The Fair Housing Commission ensures tenants’ rights and ensures that landlords are following housing laws, including the City’s Fair Housing Ordinance. Part of this includes the certificate of rental suitability landlords must obtain and give to tenants with the Partners in Good Housing Handbook. Lead certification laws are detailed in this document as well. In addition, it has laws on unlawful lease termination, unlawful eviction, retaliation and discrimination, notice requirements, and abuse protections.
Are you following tenant screening regulations?
Philadelphia has tenant screening regulations for landlords to follow. For example, tenants cannot be screened for evictions that happened four or more years ago, for failed rent/utility bills during COVID-19, and more. Be sure to screen your tenants thoroughly and comply with Philadelphia’s rules.
Are you complying with eviction rules?
A Notice of Rights to Tenants must be sent by landlords at least 30 days before any action regarding eviction occurs. The eviction process can be lengthy with many rules, but it is vital to follow procedures to protect yourself and your property.
Are you renting out a single-family or multi-family property?
There are different guidelines regarding single-family and multi-family housing in Philadelphia. For instance, landlords must give tenants a copy of the building's smoking policy if the building has three or more units. Read up on the relevant rules regarding your property to make sure you comply.
List Your Philadelphia Rental Property for Free on Apartments.com
Now that you’re ready to rent your property in Philadelphia, create your lease on Apartments.com. When you list on Apartments.com, you can generate a legally binding lease agreement tailored to Pennsylvania and local laws. Leases are fully customizable, so you can adapt the lease to fit your property. Tenants can review and sign the lease online, streamlining the process.
FAQ
How do I list my house for rent?
You can list your house for rent on Apartments.com. It is simple; sign up with your email, enter your listing’s details, upload great photos, and it is published.
Is it free to list a property on Apartments.com?
It is completely free to list your house for rent on Apartments.com. If you want more exposure, there are different ad packages for you to choose from.
The information presented in this article is not a substitute for legal advice. Always consult an attorney for questions regarding your specific situation.
