Philly Tenants

In Philadelphia, many tenants are paying rent to landlords who aren’t even legally allowed to collect it. If your landlord doesn’t have the right licenses and documents, you may not owe rent — and they may not be able to evict you in court.

This blog will help you research your landlord using public city tools — and offers a full paid guide with step-by-step screenshots, sample letters, and legal tips.

✅ Quick Self-Check: Is Your Landlord Legal?

1. Look up your address on Atlas

Go to https://atlas.phila.gov and type in your rental address.

Click the Licenses & Inspections tab and check if there’s a valid “Rental License.”

2. Certificate of Rental Suitability

Landlords must give you this every year — it proves the unit is safe and up to code.

3. Lead-Safe Certification (Required if Built Before 1978)

Philadelphia law requires all rental properties built before 1978 to have a lead-based paint inspection, regardless of whether children live in the unit — unless they meet a narrow exemption defined by the city. Your landlord must provide a valid Lead-Safe or Lead-Free certificate to be in compliance.

4. Business Compliance

Landlords also need a Commercial Activity License and must be tax compliant with the city.

📘 Get the Full PDF Guide: Only $4.99

Want help with:

• Screenshots of each step
• What to say to your landlord
• Sample letter to withhold rent
• Links to file a city complaint

➡️ Download our full tenant guide here:

Download PDF Guide

💳 Pay just $4.99 via any of these:

• Cash App: $PhillyLeadHead

📩 After you pay:

Text a screenshot of your payment to 215‑783‑8731 and you’ll receive the guide link immediately.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

The information provided is based on public sources and current Philadelphia laws and is deemed reliable — but never guaranteed.

Always consult a housing attorney before withholding rent, entering legal proceedings, or relying on this information to make legal decisi