LANDLORDS
Helpful resources, guides, and links for landlords in Philadelphia.
The following documents are now required by the City of Philadelphia to be provided to the tenant for all residential real estate leasing:
Rent Suitability Certificate (issued no more than 60 days prior to the start of tenancy)
Partners for Good Housing Brochure
Lead Certificate (and proof that they were sent to the tenant, not required to be signed)*
A current rental license
Lease
Additionally, but not related to evictions, you should also have included in your leasing package:
Bed Bug Certification (Signed) & Brochure - new requirement
*If you have an uncooperative tenant (and therefore cannot get access to do the lead test) contact us as we have identified a process to obtain an “exemption” that has been accepted by the municipal court.
EPA Lead Pamphlet
EPA Pamphlet on Lead Paint-Required for distribution to your tenants.
Partners For Good Housing Brochure
The City of Philadelphia requires all landlords to provide Partners in Good Housing brochures to tenants. This brochure is issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).
City of Philadelphia - Lead Testing Exemption Form
Lead Certification Acknowledgement Form
Philadelphia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Group Report
PA Rental Rebate - Available to Tenants
The Pennsylvania Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program is a fairly unknown program to most people residing in the state of Pennsylvania. This program began in the early 90s. It is run by the state of Pennsylvania and funded by its state lottery funds. This is a property tax relief initiative for senior claimants or spouses 65 years of age or older, widows or widowers 50 years of age or older and the permanently disabled 18 years of age or older.
Bed Bug Certification and Brochure
In addition to the complexity of the new lead law, the City of Philadelphia also now (effective December 2020) requires that all tenant receive a copy of the Bed Bug Brochure . This brochure is a guide to bed bug safety.
We recommend that you include this brochure in your leasing package and also have the tenant certify that they received the brochure.
"NEW" Rental License-Supplemental Information Form
The following "Supplemental Information" is required to be completed for any "New Rental License" (not for renewals) and submitted through Eclipse in order to obtain a "new" rental license for a property in Philadelphia.
Lead Safe vs. Lead Free
LEAD SAFE
Utilizes Lead Wipe (like a hand wipe)
Pros
Requires just 2 tests (windowsill and floor) in each bedroom and common area (living room, dining room, etc.)
98% of tests pass
Common areas are not required to be tested
Cost efficient
Cons
Certificate valid for 4 years
Best used for properties that have been fully renovated (but may have some traces of residual paint) or older properties.
LEAD FREE
Utilizes XFR device (like a radar gun) and is very sensitive
Pros
Certificate lasts for life of property (therefore no renewal every 4 year)
Cons
Certification process is a much more rigorous and tests every part of the property
Common areas are required to be tested
High “failure” rate due to sensitivity of device
Higher cost
Best used for larger buildings with significant common areas that have been completely renovated.
Philadelphia Rowhouse Manual
A practical guide for homeowners
