If you are buying a small rental in Philadelphia, the city file is not optional homework. L&I does not care that your lender already cleared the deal.

Before you wire:

1. Rental license. Philadelphia requires a rental license (open data lists it as L&I type “Rental”). A missing row in open data is not proof of anything — it is a reason to open eCLIPSE. Official: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-rental-license/

2. Open violations. Pull L&I cases. An empty export is not a certificate of compliance.

3. Permits / occupancy. Look at permit history and occupancy type. Do not accuse. Do ask.

4. Lead. Pre-1978 rentals generally need a lead certification. Confirm year built on OPA, then the Health/L&I service page: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-lead-certification/

5. Unit count. If the seller’s unit count does not match licensed units, stop and verify authorized use. That is not a finding of illegal occupancy. It is a closing question.

Atlas is the city’s front door: https://atlas.phila.gov/

RentalReady Preflight is the same checklist, sourced, dated, and generated after checkout — not a government product, not legal advice.