Landlord rental license

Member since 2021 · 23 posts · 10 votes

Hi BP I just listed my first rental property for rent on zillow after buying it and doing some renovations. I thought it was easy as that, but I just came across something about needing to apply for a renal license or else pay $300/ day if I'm fined. Can somebody tell me if this is really something to worry about? I'm sure technically its a city requirement, but there seem to be a lot of permitting and code requirements out there that nobody actually pays real attention to.

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Eric Greenberg

Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 618 posts · 430 votes

No reason not to play by the rules as a good landlord. Its $63 per year. If you do not have the required paperwork you will not be able to legally collect rent/evict a tenant/etc. Youll need to have a lead cert as well if you havnt already done that along with a bed bug control plan/other paper work

Resources below:
https://www.phila.gov/services...
https://www.phila.gov/services...

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Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
3y
Up to you. Buy the license it will be cheap-maybe 30 bucks, they may require an inspection sometime in the future and they will charge you for that. I have rentals in three nearby counties one of them requires a license, the other two do not.
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Owen DashnerPro Member
Lender · Omaha, NE · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
I would not mess around. Stay on the good side of your municipalities - they can make your life miserable if you try to skirt the regulations.

Landlord permits are getting more and more common across the country and the fines can be stiff if you choose not to comply.
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Caroline Gerardo
Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Be in compliance. Pay the fee
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Eric Greenberg
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 618 posts · 430 votes
3y
No reason not to play by the rules as a good landlord. Its $63 per year. If you do not have the required paperwork you will not be able to legally collect rent/evict a tenant/etc. Youll need to have a lead cert as well if you havnt already done that along with a bed bug control plan/other paper work

Resources below:
https://www.phila.gov/services...
https://www.phila.gov/services...
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Marshall Secord
OP
Member since 2021 · 23 posts · 10 votes
3y
Now that I've looked into it and actually had time to grasp it all, It makes a lot of sense. Thanks everybody
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Peter MckernanBusiness Member
Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Marshall Secord:

Hi BP I just listed my first rental property for rent on zillow after buying it and doing some renovations. I thought it was easy as that, but I just came across something about needing to apply for a renal license or else pay $300/ day if I'm fined. Can somebody tell me if this is really something to worry about? I'm sure technically its a city requirement, but there seem to be a lot of permitting and code requirements out there that nobody actually pays real attention to.

You want to keep your expenses low, and the local authorities to be off your back before they are even on your back! I would get it so that you have no issues working forward and pay more than the smaller fee now they it would be later.
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Jessica V.
Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 8 posts · 1 vote
3y
If your in Philadelphia Philly Tax Account, Business Activity License, Lead Test if built before 1978, Rental license ( about 55-60 dollers).
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Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Eric Greenberg:

No reason not to play by the rules as a good landlord. Its $63 per year. If you do not have the required paperwork you will not be able to legally collect rent/evict a tenant/etc. Youll need to have a lead cert as well if you havnt already done that along with a bed bug control plan/other paper work

Resources below:
https://www.phila.gov/services...
https://www.phila.gov/services...

Definitely get that license. They don't even do inspections. Like Eric said, you will need to do Lead inspection if built before 1978. Your agent should be able to explain what exactly you need to rent in Phila
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Andrew SyriosPro Member
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Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes
3y
Rental licenses are things some cities require. Generally here's usually a small fee and an annual or biennial inspection for things like fire alarms, peeling paint, broken windows or other unsafe living conditions. If you keep your properties in good shape they're pretty easy to pass. You just need to contact the city to apply for one. I don't know how it is there but it should be pretty simple and straight forward.

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Sheryl Sitman
Rental Property Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 483 posts · 362 votes
3y
If you do not have a rental license in Philly, it is illegal to collect rent. If you think that it is unlikely to get caught, so true - as long as all goes perfect, it may be unlikely and you "save" $63. But if you have a violation on the property or need to evict at some point (for non payment or tenant does not vacate at end of lease or tenant violates the lease . . .) or your tenant realizes that you have no license, not only are you in some trouble, you could be required to return all of the rent that you received -- plus you will need an attorney to navigate you out of the mess. So you may want to pay the $63 :-) There are several more steps you are required and if you do not do them all, judges will generally rule against you in any L-T dispute.
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