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Philadelphia Compliance Checklist

Compliance

Interactive 2026 compliance checklist — filter by property type, track progress, and link to resources.

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A. Licenses & Taxes

Rental License Renewal

Annual

Ensure all taxes/fines are paid. L&I will not renew if you have outstanding violations.

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Commercial Activity License (CAL)

Required for doing business in Philly. Needed if you don't live there or have 4+ units.

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Real Estate Tax

Due Mar 31, 2026

Annual property tax payment.

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Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT)

Due Apr 15, 2026

You must file this return even if you had a loss. $100k exemption may apply, but filing is mandatory.

B. Tenant & Lease Requirements

Certificate of Rental Suitability

Must be issued by L&I no more than 60 days before lease signing. Proves no open violations.

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Partners in Good Housing Guide

You must provide a physical or digital copy of this handbook to new tenants.

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Bed Bug Informational Notice

Mandatory disclosure required by Phila Code § 9-4500.

Lead Certification Upload

You must upload your Lead Safe/Free cert to the Philadelphia Public Health database.

C. Safety & Inspections

Lead Safe/Free Certification

Prior to OccupancyMANDATORY

MANDATORY. Dust wipe test required by certified inspector.

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10-Year Sealed Smoke Detectors

Must be hardwired or 10-year sealed lithium battery. One on each floor + inside bedrooms.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Required within 15ft of all bedrooms.

PGW Landlord Cooperation Program

Register to prevent liens on your property if tenants fail to pay gas bills.

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