You need a Limited Lodging Operator License to rent your primary residence or a room in it for periods of 30 consecutive days or less. You can find more about other requirements to rent your property short-term.
This license is issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).
If you are leasing a dwelling unit that is not your primary residence, a Rental License is required.
A dwelling unit operated as limited lodging must be listed through a booking agent having a Limited Lodging and Hotels Booking Agent License.
Property owners and eligible tenants can apply for this license.
In the Tenth Councilmanic District, a primary resident must also be the owner of the property to get this license.
In all other Councilmanic Districts, you may be eligible for this license if you rent your home.
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
Payment methods and details Accepted payment methods Where Accepted payment Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.) Electronic check Credit card (+2.25% surcharge) In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building Electronic check Credit card (+2.25% surcharge) In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building (Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) Check Money order Credit card (+2.25% surcharge) Cash Checks and money orders Check requirements Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.” The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application. Personal checks are accepted. Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction. Reasons your check may be rejected(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
If you have any questions, submit an online request to 311 or call 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if you are outside Philadelphia.