Housing (Rentals)
Upper Darby Township requires all rental properties to be licensed and inspected annually in accordance with applicable State and Township codes.
The Housing Division is responsible for administering the rental licensing and inspection program to ensure that all rental properties are safe, properly maintained, and compliant with all applicable codes and regulations.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or entity to rent, lease, or permit occupancy of any dwelling unit without first obtaining a valid Rental Dwelling License.
When a Rental License is Required
A Rental Dwelling License is required for any dwelling unit that is:
- Occupied by someone other than the owner
- Rented, leased, or otherwise made available for occupancy
- Vacant but intended for rental use
The Township considers any property that is not occupied by the individual listed on the deed as a rental property, regardless of whether rent is paid or whether the occupants are family members.
A Rental License and inspection are required in all such cases.
A valid license must be maintained at all times for each rental unit.
Annual Licensing Requirement
- Rental licenses are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance
- Licenses must be renewed annually prior to expiration
- Licenses are not transferable to new owners or properties
Failure to renew a license prior to the expiration date will result in double fees and may result in enforcement action.
Application Requirements
No Rental Dwelling License will be issued or renewed unless a complete application is submitted.
Applications must include:
- Completed Rental License Application
- Payment of all applicable fees
- Owner information, including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Designated agent information (if applicable), including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
If the owner resides outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, additional requirements apply, including designation of a registered agent authorized to accept service of process within Pennsylvania.
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Inspection Requirement
A Rental Dwelling License will not be issued for a new rental property unless an inspection has been completed and the property has passed inspection.
For renewal licenses:
- Rental licenses must be renewed annually
- Property owners are responsible for contacting the Housing Division to schedule inspections
- Each rental property must be inspected at least once every three (3) years, or more frequently as required by the Township
Inspections are conducted to verify compliance with applicable codes and safety requirements.
Inspection Results
Following inspection:
- License Issued – If the property passes inspection and is in compliance
- Violations Issued – If deficiencies are identified
All violations must be corrected within the timeframe provided by the Code Official.
Failure to correct violations may result in:
- Reinspection fees
- Suspension of the Rental License
- Revocation of the Rental License
Rental licenses will not be issued or renewed unless the property is brought into compliance.
Violations, Suspension, and Revocation
If violations are not corrected:
- A reinspection will be conducted
- The Rental License may be suspended
If compliance is not achieved:
- The license may be revoked
Operating a rental property without a valid license is a violation of Township regulations.
Reinstatement of License
A suspended license may be reinstated upon:
- Correction of all violations
- Successful reinspection
- Approval by the Code Official
Requests for reinspection must demonstrate that violations have been corrected.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Property owners and operators are required to maintain records of:
- Repairs and alterations
- Work requiring permits
- Corrections made as a result of inspections
These records must be made available to the Township upon request and may be required for administrative or legal proceedings.
Display of License
- For properties with three (3) or more units, the license must be displayed in a common area
- For single-family or two-family dwellings, the license must be readily available upon request
Business Privilege License Requirement
All rental property owners are required to obtain a Business Privilege (Mercantile) License.
This license must be obtained directly through:
E-COLLECT
804 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428
Website: www.ecollectplus.com
Phone: 866-225-0033
Failure to obtain or maintain a Business Privilege License will prevent issuance or renewal of a Rental License.
Important Reminders
- A Rental Dwelling License is required prior to occupancy
- The Township considers properties not occupied by the deed holder to be rental properties
- Licenses must be renewed annually
- Failure to renew prior to expiration will result in double fees
- New rental licenses require a passed inspection prior to issuance
- Rental properties must be inspected at least once every three (3) years
- Property owners are responsible for scheduling inspections
- All violations must be corrected within the required timeframe
- Operating without a valid license may result in enforcement action
- Additional inspection fees may apply for multiple reinspections
- All rental properties must comply with applicable Township codes at all times
Forms and Resources
The following form is required for rental licensing:
Property owners are responsible for ensuring that all applicable forms and documentation are submitted based on the specific use and condition of the property.
A detailed Rental Inspection Checklist is available on the Township website and should be reviewed prior to scheduling an inspection to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.
Additional documentation may be required depending on the property.
Fees and Payment
Rental license fees are established in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule.
Payments may be made:
- Online via L&I Code Pay
- By check or money order
All fees are subject to change.
Contact the Housing Division
For questions regarding rental licenses or inspections, please contact the Housing Division.
Phone: 610-734-7640
Email: Rentals@UpperDarby.org
Residents may also submit inquiries or report concerns through the Township One Center.
To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.
