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:
💳 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
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