Upper Darby, PA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- IPMC Ch. 9, § 901.1, Upper Darby Code § 417-11(AAA)
- License required
- Annual rental dwelling license, every unit
- Pre-issuance inspection
- Required before license is granted
- License term
- One year, renewable, non-transferable
- Renewal window
- Application due 60 days before expiration
- Enforcing office
- Dept. of Licenses and Inspection
Summary
No one may rent, lease, or let out a dwelling or rooming unit in Upper Darby without first securing an annual rental dwelling license, and the Township's L&I officials must inspect the unit before that license is issued. The requirement applies to every occupied or vacant rental unit in the Township.
901.1 Inspection of rental dwelling units required.
a. In accordance with the license requirements set forth in Section 902.0, every person, firm, corporation or any other entity owning, managing or operating a dwelling unit and/or rooming unit shall not rent, lease, let out or permit the same to be occupied without first applying for and securing the following: An annual rental dwelling license for each occupied and/or vacant dwelling(s) issued pursuant to the provisions of this article and applicable ordinances, rules and regulations enacted by the Council of Upper Darby Township.
b. The appropriate L&I officials are hereby authorized and directed to process all applications for rental dwelling licenses and, prior to the issuance of same, determine by inspection that all the requirements of this article and/or any other applicable ordinance, rules and regulations enacted by Upper Darby Township have been met.
Full Breakdown
Upper Darby Code § 417-11(AAA) inserts Chapter 9 into the adopted 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, creating the Township's rental dwelling license and inspection program. 1 makes it mandatory: any person, firm, corporation, or other entity owning, managing, or operating a dwelling unit or rooming unit cannot rent, lease, let out, or permit occupancy without first applying for and securing an annual rental dwelling license for each dwelling, occupied or vacant. The Department of Licenses and Inspection (L&I) processes every license application and, before issuing it, must determine by inspection that the unit meets all applicable code requirements.
The fee for the application, the license itself, and any required reinspections is set from time to time by Township Council. 8 requires a renewal application within 60 days before expiration. 4 folds the inspection cost into the license fee for one initial inspection and one reinspection; every additional inspection is billed to the owner at the Code Official's prevailing rate plus travel time and any added Township costs. 7.
Violations & Fines
Failure to hold a required rental license, or conditions found in violation on inspection, triggers a notice of violation under § 902.11; if uncorrected within the stated time, the Code Official may suspend the operating license under § 902.12. An owner can request reconsideration or a formal hearing within 20 days of a suspension order under § 902.13, or the license is revoked. Beyond licensing, prosecution and fines follow § 417-11(G)'s amended IPMC § 106.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a rental license before I can rent out a unit in Upper Darby?
How long does an Upper Darby rental license last?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upper Darby
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