Philadelphia Certificate of Rental Suitability: What Landlords Need to Know
Updated September 2026 · 5 min read
Philadelphia requires a Certificate of Rental Suitability before each new tenant moves in and each time a lease is renewed. There is no cost.
What the Certificate of Rental Suitability does
Philadelphia's Certificate of Rental Suitability (CRS) confirms that a rental property meets the city's requirements for renting. It is separate from the Rental License itself. Owners can request it through the city's eCLIPSE system.
When landlords need a certificate
The city says owners must give tenants a CRS before they move in, and must get a new certificate each time they rent to a new tenant or renew an existing tenant's lease.
Requirements before you apply
The property cannot have outstanding violation notices, except for violations pending appeal where the owner has notified L&I. Owners certify that fire protection and smoke detectors are in good working order and that fire alarm and smoke detection systems are in working order and up to code.
Cost
The city says there is no cost for the certificate.
Keep the CRS with the compliance record
Record each tenant or lease event that required a new certificate, the date it was issued, and where the final document is stored. This helps prove the document was provided at the right point in the leasing process.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Certificate of Rental Suitability the same as a Philadelphia Rental License?
No. The CRS is a separate document you give tenants. The Rental License is the underlying license required to rent the property.
When do I need a new Certificate of Rental Suitability?
A new certificate is required each time you rent to a new tenant or renew an existing tenant's lease.
How much does a Certificate of Rental Suitability cost?
The city says there is no cost for the certificate.
Sources
Figures in this guide come from these official sources. Rules change, so confirm with the source before acting.
- phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-propert…
- A new CRS is required each time you rent to a new tenant or renew an existing lease; it must be given before move-in.
- No cost; no outstanding violation notices (except those pending appeal with L&I notified).
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