Philadelphia requires a rental license for all rental units including ADUs under Property Maintenance Code Section PM-102.1. Pennsylvania preempts municipal rent control. Short-term rentals require separate Visit Philadelphia STR license. ADU long-term rentals are unrestricted in lease terms but must maintain rental license.
Philadelphia requires a rental license under PM Code Section PM-102.1 for every dwelling unit offered for rent. ADU operators must obtain a Rental License from L+I ($52/unit/year) and a Commercial Activity License. The license requires lead-safe certification for pre-1978 properties. Pennsylvania ACT 50 (1990) preempts municipal rent control. There is no minimum lease term for long-term rentals. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a Limited Lodging Operator license under Title 9-3905, Department of Revenue registration, and 8.5 percent Hotel Tax remittance. Many properties are subject to historic district restrictions or condominium covenants. L+I inspections required for rental properties on a 5-year cycle.
Operating without a license carries fines of $300-$2,000 per violation. STR violations under Title 9-3905 carry fines up to $2,000 per day plus listing removal. Failure to certify lead-safe creates separate liability. HOA covenants enforced civilly.
Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia, PA
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See how Philadelphia's adu rental restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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