How do I report a Vacant Residential/Commercial property or a Vacant House in violation of the Doors and Windows Ordinanace?
Complete a Maintenance Complaint Service Request of type Vacant Property.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I) will inspect for code violations in a vacant residential (no squatters) or commercial building.
The Service Level Agreement (SLA) is 20 business days.
What to Expect and When:
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An inspection will occur within 20 business days.
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Violations will be issued if appropriate
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The owner has 30 calendar days to correct the problem(s), when a new inspection will occur.
- The property may be sent to court after three failed inspections.
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Reporting Procedures:
This service request requires a legal address that has been verified.
If squatters are in the property, they must be reported to Police for criminal trespassing and removed through a Writ of Ejectment by the property owner.
You Should Know:
Residential property is considered vacant if there are no legal residents living there.
The Doors and Windows Ordinance The Doors and Windows Ordinance holds owners of vacant properties responsible for maintaining a standard for maintenance.
If there is no access to the rear of the property for inspection, inspectors will attempt to get in by contacting neighbors or by access through the alleyway.
If there is no safe entry, L+I will not be able to conduct an inspection.
- It requires all structures on blocks that are at least 80% occupied to have actual doors and windows where there should be. Plywood is not a sufficient covering for windows or doors when the block is at least 80% occupied.
- Actual doors and windows must be installed.
- Owners who fail to comply will be subject to fines of $300.00 per opening per day.
Further Information:
Commercial property is considered vacant if there are no legal lessees (renters) or owners using it.Licenses and Inspections (L+I) cannot clean and seal a property while squatters are present. L+I does not clean and seal commercial properties, however, the structure may receive violations.
The Philadelphia Code Title 9 Regulation Of Businesses, Trades, and Professions Ch. 9-3900 Property Licenses and Owner Accountability
9-3905. Vacant Structure License.
(1) Required. The owner of any structure that lacks the habitual presence of human beings who have a legal right to be on the premises, or at which substantially all lawful business or construction operations or residential occupancy has ceased within the past three (3) months, shall obtain a Vacant Structure License.
(a) Exception. The owner of a vacant structure for which a current and valid rental license has been issued shall not be required to obtain a Vacant Structure License.
