Short answer
The rental license and lead certification rules in Philadelphia apply to renting a property, not to selling it. But the license is not transferable, so a buyer who wants to rent must get a new one. While tenants live there you still need a current license, and federal lead disclosure rules apply to the sale of pre-1978 homes.
What the city requires of landlords
Philadelphia says you need a rental license to rent out dwelling, rooming or sleeping units. The license is renewed annually, and the city lists a fee of 69 dollars per unit. To get or renew one you must be current on all city taxes and fines, have no outstanding L&I violations, and, for properties built before March 1978, have the property certified as lead-free or lead-safe.
The pages we reviewed describe these as requirements for renting. They did not describe a requirement to hold or surrender a license in order to close a sale.
Lead certification for rentals
Under the city's lead paint disclosure and certification law, landlords of pre-1978 buildings must provide a certification from a dust wipe technician or other qualified person that the property is lead-safe or lead-free to execute a new or renewed lease and to get or renew a rental license. The inspection behind the certification cannot be older than 48 months.
If your lease is renewing while you are trying to sell, this can matter. A sale that is months away still leaves you renting in the meantime.
What happens to the license on a sale
Rental licenses are not transferable. The city says new owners must close the previous license and apply for a new one. A new owner applying for a license will need proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or settlement sheet.
So a buyer planning to keep tenants has to start their own license process. Some buyers will ask you for the existing certificates, and giving them copies can help the sale go smoothly.
Federal lead rules still apply to the sale
Separate from the city's rental law, the federal lead disclosure rule covers most housing built before 1978. The EPA says sellers must give buyers known information about lead-based paint, provide the pamphlet, include a lead warning statement in the contract and keep signed disclosures for three years. Buyers get a 10-day period to inspect unless they waive it.
Foreclosure sales are exempt from that rule, but ordinary sales of rented houses are not.
A practical checklist
Before you sell, confirm your license is current, any lead certification is still valid, and no L&I violations are open. Ask the title company what the city needs at settlement. Gather leases, rent ledgers and deposit records for the buyer.
Kaizen Home Buyers buys as-is, offers within 24 hours and charges no agent commission, so you do not have to renew paperwork or make repairs just to sell. We did not verify every Philadelphia requirement for sale. Call 267-329-0084 and ask your attorney or title company to confirm the rest.