Form 81-900 (1) - License Application Housing Inspection (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

City of Philadelphia ∙ Department of Licenses and Inspections

HOUSING INSPECTION/RENTAL LICENSE

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The Housing Inspection License (3202), also known as a Housing Rental License, is required of

any entity that rents any type of housing unit.

Owners/operators of vacant residential properties/lots are required to have a Vacant

Property/Lot License (3219) for each vacant property/lot.

Most of the questions on the application are self explanatory. The questions that need

explanation are discussed below. The numbers match the numbered questions on the

application.

1. Address of Property ‐ Fill in the full address of the property in which licensed activity will take

place. Please include ZIP Code.

2. Name of Owner/Operator ‐ Full name must be used. Operators of boarding homes, shelters,

personal care homes, old age homes, etc., are responsible for getting this license.

4. Philadelphia Business Income and Receipts Tax Number ‐ This is a number assigned by the

Philadelphia Revenue Department to identify tax accounts. One tax account number is used for

all of your City licenses, if under the same Business entity name and tax account number. If you

do not have a Business Income and Receipts Tax Account Number, please go to

Receipts Tax Number. Any tax accounts previously opened for you which are unsettled or

delinquent will cause a delay and may preclude the issuance of new licenses.

5. Philadelphia Commercial Activity License (3702) ‐ Required for every person desiring to

engage in business within the City of Philadelphia whether or not such person maintains a place

of business in the City. This is a one‐time fee license ($300.00) and can be used for all your

business ventures if using the same entity name and tax account number. Fill in the license

number if you already have one. If you do not already have this license, you can apply online at

https://secure.phila.gov/LI/Licenses/. You may also download the Commercial Activity License

application by going to

drop‐down menu beneath “APPLY: Common Licenses and Permits” on the left side of the page.

a) A Philadelphia Business Income and Receipts Tax Number is required. If you have

never had a number assigned, go to

b) A Commercial Activity License is not required for a Vacant Building/Lot License.

6. Name of Agent ‐ If the owner/ operator resides outside of Philadelphia, an agent who resides

within the city limits must be designated by the owner/ operator. The agent will be responsible

to forward notices, orders, or summonses to the owner. Agent qualifications:

a) Agent must be a person over the age of eighteen (18) who lives in Philadelphia or is

regularly available at a Philadelphia address.

81‐900

Housing Rental License Application Instructions

(2) (Rev. 12/12)

City of Philadelphia ∙ Department of Licenses and Inspections

Form 81-900 (1) - License Application Housing Inspection Page 3