Upper Darby, PA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- IPMC § 902.1, Upper Darby Code § 417-11(AAA)
- License term
- One year, renewable annually
- Transferability
- Not transferable to new owner or unit
- Revocation triggers
- Ordinance noncompliance or unpaid sewer/trash fees
- Display rule
- Posted in common area (3+ units)
- Out-of-state owners
- Certificate of Authority required
Summary
Every single-family, multi-family, or rooming house rental in Upper Darby must carry a valid, non-transferable operating license issued by Licenses and Inspection, renewed every year. The license can be revoked for code violations or unpaid Township sanitary sewer or trash fees.
902.1 License Required. An operating license for all rentals, leased, subleased single- or multiple-family dwellings or rooming house shall be valid for a period of one year, unless revoked for noncompliance of any Township ordinance or nonpayment of Township sanitary sewer or trash collection fee, and such license shall be renewable for successive periods of one-year from the original date of application for said license. Licenses shall not be transferable.
Full Breakdown
1, License Required, sets the core registration rule: an operating license for any rental, leased, or subleased single- or multiple-family dwelling or rooming house is valid for one year unless revoked for noncompliance with a Township ordinance or nonpayment of sanitary sewer or trash collection fees, and it renews for successive one-year periods from the original application date. Licenses are not transferable to a new owner, another unit, or a different rooming house. 2 authorizes L&I to issue and renew licenses only after the unit is found by inspection to meet Code requirements.
5 conditions issuance on payment of the license fee set by Township Council resolution. 7 adds that out-of-state corporations or partnerships must supply a Certificate of Authority to do business in Pennsylvania. 10 requires the owner to keep records of repairs and permitted alterations available to the Code Official.
Violations & Fines
License noncompliance follows §§ 902.11-902.14: a notice of violation is served, and if uncorrected the operating license can be suspended and, absent a request for reconsideration or hearing within 20 days under § 902.13, revoked. General prosecution and fines run through § 417-11(G), amending IPMC § 106.4, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does an Upper Darby rental license need to be renewed?
Can I transfer my rental license to a new owner when I sell?
Can the Township revoke my rental license for unpaid fees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upper Darby
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