How it works, start to finish
The City permits authorized representatives to file license applications on a property owner's behalf. — that's the role we play. Here's the whole journey.
Free compliance check
Start with the address, year built, and unit count. You get an instant read on what the City likely expects — before spending a dollar.
Checkout & signatures
One checkout covers the setup and, if you want renewal protection, the yearly plan. Then you sign two short documents online: our service agreement and an authorization that lets us file with the City on your behalf.
Five-minute intake
Address details, year built, units, owner names as they appear on the deed, and — if you live outside Philadelphia — your local managing agent. Upload a photo ID, your deed or ownership document, and any prior license or certificate you have.
Compliance review
We check your property's status against the City's records: rental license, CAL, BIRT registration, tax standing, open L&I violations, and lead-certificate status. You get a scorecard showing exactly where things stand.
Lead test, if your property needs one
Older (pre-1978) properties generally need a valid lead-safe or lead-free certificate before licensing — the City's own pages spell out the rule, and the free check links them. We schedule an EPA-certified partner tester, track the lab results, and submit the certificate to the City. Tester and lab fees pass through at cost.
We file through eCLIPSE
Application or renewal, filed complete, prerequisites confirmed first — so nothing avoidable holds it up. Every filing in your portal comes with the City's confirmation attached. If the City's records show something blocking (unpaid taxes, an open violation), we pause, show you the record, and point you to the City or an attorney rather than guessing.
Ongoing protection
Your portal keeps a live compliance scorecard per property. The plan tracks license and certificate expirations, reminds you about the CRS when you report a lease event, and files your renewal on time — with escalating reminders if we need something from you.
What we never do
Give legal advice, draft leases, or get involved in evictions or disputes (we're not a law firm); collect rent or show units (not a property manager); or perform lead sampling ourselves (EPA-certified partners only). And we never promise City approval or timelines — nobody controls those but the City.