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Philadelphia landlords often find themselves navigating multiple departments, websites, and agencies to find the information they need. Whether you're researching a property, applying for a rental license, responding to a violation, managing tax accounts, or looking for landlord-tenant resources, knowing where to start can save significant time and frustration.

The resources below are some of the most commonly used tools and agencies for Philadelphia housing providers.

PROPERTY RESEARCH & DUE DILIGENCE

Before purchasing, renting, renovating, or investigating a property issue, these resources can help you gather important information.

Atlas

Research zoning, permits, licenses, violations, property boundaries, and nearby city services.

Website:
https://atlas.phila.gov/

Property Search

Review ownership records, assessed values, tax information, and property sales history.

Website:
https://property.phila.gov/

Property History Search

Research permits, licenses, violations, inspections, and appeals associated with a property.

Website:
https://li.phila.gov/property-history/

Recorded Deeds & Property Documents

Access public records, deeds, and recorded property documents.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-a-copy-of-a-deed-or-other-recorded-document/

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LICENSES, PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

Most landlords will interact with these resources regularly throughout the life of a rental property.

Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I)

Philadelphia's primary department for permits, inspections, licensing, and code enforcement.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/

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eCLIPSE

Philadelphia's online portal for licensing, permitting, inspections, and application tracking.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-license/

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Rental License Information

Information regarding rental license requirements, eligibility standards, and renewals.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/rental-and-property-licenses/

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LANDLORD PROGRAMS & CITY RESOURCES

Philadelphia offers several programs and resources specifically designed for housing providers.

Landlord Gateway

Philadelphia's central resource hub for landlords and housing providers.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/programs/landlord-gateway/

New Landlords

A starting point for individuals entering the rental housing business.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/programs/landlord-gateway/new-landlords/

Existing Landlords

Resources focused on ongoing compliance, property maintenance, and operational requirements.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/programs/landlord-gateway/existing-landlords/

Affordable Housing Programs

Information regarding affordable housing opportunities and landlord participation.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/programs/landlord-gateway/affordable-housing/

Landlord Engagement Program

A City-supported initiative that connects landlords with individuals transitioning from homelessness while providing support services and incentives.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/programs/landlord-engagement-program/

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LANDLORD-TENANT RESOURCES & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Understanding available resources can often help prevent unnecessary escalation.

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Eviction Diversion Program

Provides mediation services designed to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes outside of court.

Website:
https://eviction-diversion.phila.gov/

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Fair Housing Commission

Provides information on fair housing requirements and investigates housing discrimination complaints.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/fair-housing-commission/

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Board of License & Inspection Review

Handles appeals involving permits, licenses, violations, and enforcement actions.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/board-of-license-and-inspection-review/

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EDUCATION & COMPLIANCE SUPPORT

Landlord 101 Presentations

Educational materials designed to help landlords understand common requirements and responsibilities.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/documents/landlord-101-presentations/

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L&I Resource Library

Access forms, guides, educational materials, and compliance resources.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/resources/

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Philadelphia Housing Resource Guide

A directory of housing-related programs, organizations, and services available throughout Philadelphia.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/media/20250128115132/Housing-Resource-Guide-2025.pdf

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BUSINESS REGISTRATION & ENTITY MANAGEMENT

For landlords operating through LLCs, partnerships, or other business entities.

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Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Hub

Register a business, file reports, and access state business services.

Website:
https://hub.business.pa.gov/

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Pennsylvania Business Entity Search

Verify business registrations and entity status.

Website:
https://www.corporations.pa.gov/

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Philadelphia Business Services

Information regarding city business registration and licensing requirements.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/services/business-self-employment/

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Register a Business in Philadelphia

Step-by-step guidance for establishing a business within the City of Philadelphia.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/services/business-self-employment/register-a-business/

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TAXES, FILINGS & PAYMENTS

Philadelphia Tax Center

File, pay, and manage Philadelphia tax accounts online.

Website:
https://tax-services.phila.gov/

Department of Revenue – Business Taxes

Guidance regarding city business taxes, filing requirements, and deadlines.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-revenue/business-taxes/

Pennsylvania myPATH

Pennsylvania's online tax filing and payment portal.

Website:
https://mypath.pa.gov/

Keystone Collections Group

Local earned income tax administration for many Pennsylvania municipalities outside Philadelphia.

Website:
https://www.keystonecollects.com/

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PROPERTY TAXES & ASSESSMENTS

Office of Property Assessment (OPA)

Review assessed property values and assessment information.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/

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Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT)

File appeals related to property assessments and valuations.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/board-of-revision-of-taxes/

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Property Tax Information & Payments

Check balances, make payments, and review available exemptions and abatements.

Website:
https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/property-taxes/

A Note From The Landlord Locker Room®

The information above is provided as a convenience to help housing providers locate commonly used resources and government services.

While these tools can help you find information, they don't always explain how the various licensing, tax, compliance, and housing systems interact with one another. Understanding those connections is often where landlords encounter challenges.

If you need help navigating Philadelphia's housing systems, developing compliance processes, responding to violations, understanding rental licensing requirements, or creating operational procedures for your rental business, The Landlord Locker Room is here to help.

You have to know the rules if you're going to play the game.