If you want to rent properties or housing units to tenants in Philadelphia, you must have a rental license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Once you have the required license, you also need to keep renewing it on an annual basis. You can go through the renewal process by physically visiting the permit and licensing center, making an online appointment, or simply doing it online through eCLIPSE.
As you plan to renew your rental license, you must fulfill a few requirements. I've noticed that some people aren't aware of these requirements, and they end up getting frustrated while trying to renew their licenses. These requirements include having a valid email address, ensuring that you don't have any outstanding L&I violations, being up to date on all of Philadelphia's taxes, and following the rules related to lead safety. Also, note that you cannot transfer rental licenses to a different owner, and a new property owner cannot renew it. Read as I take you through a step-by-step guide on how you can renew your rental license.
If you prefer renewing your rental license online, you can do it through eclipse at the comfort of your home or office.
To do this, simply go to the eclipse website. Since you already have an existing account, enter your registered email and password, then click on ‘sign in.'
To input your expiring license, go to your eclipse homepage and scroll downwards to ‘My Trade Licenses.' You'll see all the rental licenses that are associated with your eCLIPSE account listed in this area. Next, find your expiring rental license and tap on the ‘renew license' option.
Note that all your certification and insurance details must be up to date so that you can renew your rental license successfully. Also, you might need to upload your proof of compliance.
Before you submit the renewal application, the system will need you to confirm any changes should be made. If you haven't changed your contact details, such as your mailing address, phone number, and more, tap ‘No.' On the other hand, if you've made any changes to your contact details, select ‘Yes' then enter your new details.
At this step, you are now ready to make the required payments for the renewal of your rental license. Tap on ‘Pay Online,' then enter your payment details. Note that you can pay for your license renewal fee via credit card, which has an additional 2.4% surcharge fee. Alternatively, you can make the payment by e-check at no extra charge.
Since you've already made payments and provided all the necessary documents, your rental license will be available immediately for download.
All you need to do is return to the eCLIPSE homepage, then scroll downwards to ‘My Trade Licenses.' You will find the newly issued license in this section. All you have to do is tap on ‘Download License.'
In case you were required to attach any additional documents at this final stage, there will be a review of your application within three working days of your submission. After the approval of your application, you will receive a notification via email to download the new rental license from the eCLIPSE homepage by following the same steps in this section.
In case the online procedure overwhelms you, you can opt for an in-person appointment. You need to schedule an online appointment through the Department of Licenses and Inspections. You will have an all-online meeting scheduled with an L & I representative through Zoom.
The last option is to schedule an in-person appointment. This will require you to visit the Permit and License Center for assistance.
Hopefully, this guide will help you maneuver through the rental license renewal process for your housing units. Besides, you don't want to be on the wrong side of the law so, make sure you've fulfilled all the license renewal requirements, then follow the highlighted steps for successful license renewal.
GM Holding has several properties for rent in Philadelphia. Whether you need commercial or residential properties in Kensington, Fishtown, North Liberties, Port Richmond, and Harrowgate, we've got you covered. We also offer property management services to landlords. Feel free to contact GM Holding professionals for more details about our properties.
