| Answer | What is a Property Certification or Real Estate Certificate?
Pennsylvania Law (PA Act 89) requires the seller of real estate in Philadelphia to present to the buyer, no later than the settlement of the sale, a certificate from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I) stating the current use, the legal zoning classification, and any violations of record for the subject premises. It is good for 30 days.
You Should Know:
This document is called a Property Certification but is often referred to as a Real Estate or Seller's Certificate. This is NOT the same as a Certificate of Occupancy.
To apply for a Property Certification online, currently $139, visit https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-property-sales-certification/ and follow the instructions, or go straight to eCLIPSE. For issues about their Property Certification, please go to the jotform located at https://www.phila.gov/li/get-help.
| The address must be verified through the system before completing the Property Certification. To do this, click the magnifying glass next to the "search address" field after entering the address then scroll down the box to the grey highlight address and click on the address (building, not PWD) and the verified address will take the customer back to the processing page. |
Property Certifications for single-family properties are processed within 5 business days. Property Certifications for any other type of property will take up to two weeks or more. Only the original applicant can request a copy.
FYI: Violations for any unit within a condominium will remain on the certification. This was a decision made by the law department and it won’t be removed.Further Information:
To receive assistance with a Property Certification inquiry, use this form https://www.phila.gov/li/get-help. |
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