{"asOf":"2026-07-24T17:06:12.735Z","block":"200-299 FAIRMOUNT AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/200-299-fairmount-ave","address":"205-07 FAIRMOUNT AVE","parcelNumber":"055163210","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=055163210","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"home":true,"commercial":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"O70","buildingCodeNew":"21","buildingClass":"ROW 4 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW OLD STYLE","useLabel":"House","owner":"FIKE THOMAS","coOwner":"SUMMERS MARIA CHRISTINA","marketValue":1314100,"landAssessment":262820,"improvementAssessment":1051280,"livableArea":5038,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":1400000,"date":"2023-01-18T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"3847062","date":"2015-09-22","code":"A-304.1/1","title":"ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3847063","date":"2015-09-22","code":"PM-307.1/11","title":"WALL DETERIORATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3847064","date":"2015-09-22","code":"PM-307.1/8","title":"WALL BULGED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"5091740","date":"2019-06-27","code":"A-401.1/1","title":"DENIED ACCESS INSP BLDG PERMIT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"503536","type":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","priority":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","responsibility":"DCC","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2015-09-22","completedDate":"2016-02-22","violations":[{"number":"3847062","date":"2015-09-22","code":"A-304.1/1","title":"ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3847063","date":"2015-09-22","code":"PM-307.1/11","title":"WALL DETERIORATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3847064","date":"2015-09-22","code":"PM-307.1/8","title":"WALL BULGED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"836770","type":null,"priority":null,"responsibility":null,"status":"CLOSED","createdDate":null,"completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"5091740","date":"2019-06-27","code":"A-401.1/1","title":"DENIED ACCESS INSP BLDG PERMIT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2015,"n":3,"worst":null},{"y":2019,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"503536","date":"2015-09-22","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"503536","date":"2015-11-02","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"503536","date":"2016-02-19","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"503536","date":"2016-02-22","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2015,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2016,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.96216777310371,"lng":-75.14158563913523,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.141507709,39.962244448],[-75.141572056,39.962076055],[-75.141663745,39.962096855],[-75.141600079,39.96225572],[-75.141507709,39.962244448]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19123","beds":4,"baths":3,"stories":3,"lotArea":1655,"zoning":"CMX2.5","grade":"C+","basement":"D","heater":"A","centralAir":true,"extCond":"2","intCond":"2","garage":null,"homestead":true,"mail":"205 FAIRMOUNT AVE, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19123","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Building standards appeal","grounds":"ON 03/17/2016, THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS ISSUED A NOTICE OF REFUSAL FOR APPLICATION #671540.","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"APPROVED","date":"2016-05-23","number":"27424","relatedPermit":"671540"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":362500,"taxable":332500,"land":36118,"improvement":326382,"taxableLand":36118,"taxableImprovement":296382,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2019,"v":661100,"taxable":661100,"land":169242,"improvement":491858,"taxableLand":169242,"taxableImprovement":491858,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":683100,"taxable":683100,"land":174874,"improvement":508226,"taxableLand":174874,"taxableImprovement":508226,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":683100,"taxable":638100,"land":174874,"improvement":508226,"taxableLand":174874,"taxableImprovement":463226,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":45000},{"y":2022,"v":683100,"taxable":638100,"land":174874,"improvement":508226,"taxableLand":174874,"taxableImprovement":463226,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":45000},{"y":2023,"v":758900,"taxable":678900,"land":151780,"improvement":607120,"taxableLand":151780,"taxableImprovement":527120,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":80000},{"y":2024,"v":758900,"taxable":678900,"land":151780,"improvement":607120,"taxableLand":151780,"taxableImprovement":527120,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":80000},{"y":2025,"v":1290400,"taxable":1190400,"land":258080,"improvement":1032320,"taxableLand":258080,"taxableImprovement":932320,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100000},{"y":2026,"v":1290400,"taxable":1190400,"land":258080,"improvement":1032320,"taxableLand":258080,"taxableImprovement":932320,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100000},{"y":2027,"v":1314100,"taxable":1214100,"land":262820,"improvement":1051280,"taxableLand":262820,"taxableImprovement":951280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100000}],"taxNow":16663,"familyHeld":true,"lastTransferNominal":true,"permits":[{"number":"579696","date":"2014-12-16","work":"Zoning","type":"ZP_ZONING","description":"ZONING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-12-16","scope":"FOR THE RELOCATION OF LOT LINES (CONSOLIDATION) TO CREATE ONE (1) LOT [LOT 1] FROM TWO (2) EXISTING LOTS [PREMISES 'A' & 'B']. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN APPLICATION."},{"number":"579702","date":"2014-12-16","work":"Zoning","type":"ZP_ZONING","description":"ZONING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-12-16","scope":"FOR THE RELOCATION OF LOT LINES (CONSOLIDATION) TO CREATE ONE (1) LOT [LOT 1] FROM TWO (2) EXISTING LOTS [PREMISES 'A' & 'B']. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN APPLICATION. **SEE A/P # 579696 FOR PLANS**"},{"number":"585745","date":"2015-05-05","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2015-05-05","scope":"FOR THE INCREASE IN HEIGHT (REMOVE AND REPLACE ROOF TO INCLUDE RAISING FOURTH FLOOR CEILING HEIGH) AND THE ERECTION OF A ROOF DECK AND PILOT HOUSE (ACCESS TO ROOF DECK ONLY) TO AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN APPLICATION. FOR USE AS A SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING ON THE SECOND THROUGH FOURTH FLOORS WITH AN ARTIST STUDIO/ARTISAN INDUSTRIAL ON THE FIRST FLOOR."},{"number":"579703","date":"2015-05-05","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"LEVEL III ALTERATIONS TO SINGLE FAMILY PORTION OF MIXED USE BUILDING (NO CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY) TO INCLUDE RAISING ROOF HEIGHT (NEW ROOF CONSTRUCTION) AND THE ERECTION OF A ROOF DECK AND PILOT HOUSE (TO BE CONSTRUCTED OF FIRE RETARDENT TREATED LUMBER FOR TYPE IIIB CONSTRUCTION) AS PER APPROVED PLANS. APPLICATION TO INCLUDE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FOR PREVIOUSLY UNDOCUMENTED BUILDING. **SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MEP WORK**"},{"number":"620488","date":"2016-02-22","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-02-22","scope":"ADD APPROX 8 FOOT BY 10 FOOT ADDITION TO THE PILOT HOUSE FOR STORAGE OF DECK FURNITURE DURING WINTER TIMES AND TIMES OF HIGH WINDS OR STORMS. ADDITION AS PART OF AN EXISTING DWELLING UNIT IN THE UPPER FLOORS WITH ARTIST STUDIO IN THE GROUND FLOOR."},{"number":"671990","date":"2016-07-12","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":null,"scope":"REWIRE 2ND FLOOR FAMILY ROOM AND KITCHEN. 3RD FLOOR LAUNDRY ROOM AND SMALL BATHROOM AND 4TH FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM AND BATHROOM EXISTING.200AMP SERVICE 2008 NEC CODE CC DISTRICT ***NO FIRE ALARM***"},{"number":"836762","date":"2018-03-19","work":"Zoning","type":"ZP_ZONING","description":"ZONING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2018-03-19","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A REAR DECK ON THE SECOND FLOOR LEVEL WITH THE INSTALLATION OF A ROOF DECK ON THE FIFTH FLOOR LEVEL ACCESSED BY AN EXISTING PILOT HOUSE TO AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE. STRUCTURE FOR USE AS A SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN PER APPLICATION/PLAN."},{"number":"836770","date":"2018-03-19","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-07-08","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW BALCONY AT SECOND FLOOR LEVEL AT THE REAR,AND FOR MODIFICATIONS TO EXISTING PILOT HOUSE/ ROOF DECK ABOVE THE FOURTH STORY LEVEL AS PER PLANS. TO BE CONSTRUCTED OF FIRE RETARDENT TREATED LUMBER FOR TYPE IIIB CONSTRUCTION. STRUCTURE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED FOR USE AS A ARTIST STUDIO ON THE FIRST FLOOR WITH A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING ABOVE. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS AND DOCUMENTATION. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER WORK."},{"number":"893099","date":"2018-07-12","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-07-08","scope":"ROUGH PLUMBING FOR WASTE AND WATER LINES FOR 5-TOILETS,7-LAVS,1-TUB,1-WASHER MACHINE,1-BAR SINK,1-KITCHEN SINK,2-SHOWERS,1-WATER HEATER,HOUSE DRAIN,STACK AND AREA DRAIN.THE INSTALLATION WILL COMPLY WITH THE PHILADEPHIA PLUBMING CODE 2004"},{"number":"894325","date":"2018-07-17","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-07-08","scope":"INSTALL (4) HVAC SYSTEM WITH DUCTWORK. (MIXED-USE)"},{"number":"976374","date":"2019-05-15","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-07-08","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES- FOR THE INSTALLATION IF NEW DUCTWORK, REGISTERS/GRILLES/DIFFUSERS, AND WARM-AIR APPLIANCES AS PER ATTACHED STANDARDS. DEVIATIONS FROM THESE STANDARDS REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF CONSTRUCTION AND SITE PLANS.*INSTALLATION OF UL LISTED VENT FREE FIREPLACE PER MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.*"},{"number":"870282","date":"2019-09-23","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2020-04-16","scope":"WIRE BUILDING WITH LIGHTS,SWITCHES,RECEPTS,SMOKES AND CO DETECTORS AS PER 2008 NEC (CC DISTRICT) INSTALL A COMPLETE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM WITH PULLS,HORNS,STROBES AND LIGHTS AS PER NFPA72"},{"number":"RP-2023-011232","date":"2024-01-05","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Residential Building","description":"Residential Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-07-23","scope":"RENOVATION OF SINGLE-FAMILY STRUCTURE TO INCLUDE NEW STAIR AND ELEVATOR OPENINGS PER PLAN. *AMEND 5/2/25 - REVISE FLOOR PLAN PER AMENDED CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS*"},{"number":"MP-2024-000522","date":"2024-02-14","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-07-23","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES- For the installation if New Ductwork, Registers/Grilles/Diffusers, and Warm-Air Appliances as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans."},{"number":"PP-2024-001906","date":"2024-04-01","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-07-23","scope":"Reroute stack Water and drain lines to 3 fixtures"},{"number":"EP-2024-001284","date":"2024-05-10","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-11-12","scope":"Basement: Install (2) dedicated lines and (4) receptacles. Install (5) flash mount LED lights (existing wiring) to be controlled by (1) switch. 1st Floor: Install (2) customer provided ceiling fans (existing wiring). Install (1) receptacle by stairway wall. Install (1) closet light + switch. Install (1) 3-way switch to existing single pole switch controlling pendant light. Install (2) customer provided outdoor light fixtures + (2) switches. Install (1) rear exterior GFCI receptacle. 2nd Floor: Install (1) receptacle by stairway wall. Install (1) customer provided chandelier. Install (4) recessed lights. Install (1) CAT6 line by the TV and (1) CAT6 line + (1) receptacle in closet. 3rd Floor: Install (1) CAT6 line by the TV and (1) CAT6 line + (1) receptacle in closet in bedroom1 Install (1) CAT6 line by the TV and (1) CAT6 line + (1) receptacle in closet in bedroom2. Install (1) customer provided ceiling fan in bedroom2. Install (2) recessed lights in bedroom2. Install (2) receptacles in bedroom2 4th Floor: Install (1) dedicated circuit for bathroom GFCI. Install (1) feed wire for bathroom lights. Install (3) recessed lights + (3) switches in hallway. Install (1) light fixture in mechanical. Install (1) light fixture in closet of bedroom2. Install (4) recessed lights in bedroom2. Install (1) CAT6 line by the TV and (1) CAT6 line + (1) receptacle in closet in bedroom2. Install (2) light fixtures in closet + (2) switches in bedroom1. Install (1) recessed light to the existing (4) recessed lights Install (2) pendant lights (existing wiring). Re-run the electrical lines for the HVAC Install (1) CAT6 line by the TV and (1) CAT6 line + (1) receptacle in closet in bedroom1 Three-way switches: Install a pair of switches to control a light fixture from 2 locations (2) 1st fl to 2nd fl, (2) 2nd fl to 3rd fl, (2) 3rd fl to 4th fl. Install (1) 100 A sub-panel on 5th floor. Install 100 Amp cable from main panel in basement to sub-panel."},{"number":"EP-2024-008067","date":"2024-09-30","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-11-12","scope":"INSTALL 320 AMP ELECTRICAL SERVICE, ONE METER SOCKET WITH PROPER GROUNDING AND BONDING. INSTALL ONE NEW 200 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL AND ONE 100 CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL. INSTALL ONE 200 AMP DISCONNECT FOR EXISTING 200 AMP PANEL ACCORDING TO THE 2017 NEC AND PER PLANS."},{"number":"CP-2026-000054","date":"2026-02-02","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"FOR A LEVEL II INTERIOR ALTERATIONS (NO CHANGE IN OCCUPANCY) TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE. ** ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS.** BUILDING IS NOT SPRINKLERED** IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK**. SEPARATE PERMITS TO BE OBTAINED FOR ALL OTHER WORK.** AMENDED AS OF 3/26/2026 TO UPDATE THE OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AS PER APPROVED PLANS.**"},{"number":"EP-2026-001131","date":"2026-02-12","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-05-29","scope":"Install switch, switch control wire customer provided light fixture or iTech provided recessed light 4th fl bathroom: (1) exhaust fan, (1) recessed light, (1) vanity light 2nd fl bathroom: (1) exhaust fan, (1) ceiling fixture Relocate (1) GFCI receptacle in 4th floor bathroom (assumes dedicated bathroom circuit) Relocate electrical wires that are in the way in 4th fl bathroom by installing (1) receptacle in hallway and (1) receptacle/j-box in closet/bedroom Install (2) customer provided light fixtures (existing wiring) in front exterior"},{"number":"PP-2026-001873","date":"2026-03-18","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"REPLACE 5 FIXTURES. 2nd Floor (1) WC – Reuse existing toilet on existing rough (1) Lav 4th Floor (1) WC (1) Lav (1) Shower – with multi-function diverter Tie into existing domestic water risers and sanitary sewer stack"}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2018,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2019,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2019,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2019,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[],"licenseActivity":[],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-23","signals":[{"kind":"transition-activity","level":"watch","title":"Recent transition activity","summary":"The property has an unusually active paper trail worth monitoring for the next permit, inspection, deed, or listing.","evidence":["8 permit events since 2023"],"caveat":"Record activity alone does not establish that a sale or redevelopment is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Use permit #585745: COMPLETED.","why":"Philadelphia says a zoning approval or Property Sales Certification can identify a use without proving that it was established under the Building Code. A change of use, unit count, exits, or fire rating can require a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy.","action":"Verify the lawful use, unit count, associated construction permits, and Certificate of Occupancy with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"id":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"3 permits not marked completed: 579703 (EXPIRED), CP-2026-000054 (Issued), PP-2026-001873 (Issued).","why":"Issued work is not the same as approved final work. L&I uses final inspections and required certifications to close construction permits; expired, withdrawn, and completed are different City statuses.","action":"Open the permit file and confirm final inspections, holds, and any resulting occupancy certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"2 failed, 2 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Feb 22, 2016.","why":"A PASSED or FAILED value applies to that inspection visit. CLOSED is a separate source status; none of the three alone proves the parent permit or violation case closed—or describes today’s condition.","action":"Open the parent case/permit for each material failure and confirm its later disposition.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"deed-chain","level":"verify","title":"The latest nominal transfer is not a market sale—or a title opinion","finding":"The latest deed in the assembled record moved for nominal consideration and appears related-party/family-held.","why":"A $1 or nominal deed can be a valid family, estate, or entity transfer. It does not establish a sale price, clear title, or by itself prove a tangled title.","action":"Read the recorded deed and have the title search confirm every grantor, grantee, estate/probate step, lien, and authority to sell.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-a-copy-of-a-deed-or-other-recorded-document/"},{"id":"homestead","level":"verify","title":"Homestead is tied to owner occupancy and the deed","finding":"OPA shows the Homestead Exemption.","why":"Philadelphia limits Homestead to an owner’s primary residence. The City says a deed change can require a new application or update.","action":"A buyer should apply in their own name and not assume the seller’s benefit continues.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/homestead-exemption-application/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 4 historical violations across 2 cases.","why":"A closed case is materially better than an open one, but it does not by itself prove that every altered use, unit, or concealed condition matches today’s approvals.","action":"Use the closed cases to target the inspection and occupancy-file review.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"}],"closingChecks":[{"title":"Property Sales Certification","body":"The seller must obtain Philadelphia’s certificate showing the base zoning, last use in the zoning record, and open violations. The City warns that it does not prove Building Code occupancy or show zoning overlays.","action":"Obtain the fresh certificate and compare it with the CO, permits, and Atlas overlays.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-property-sales-certification/"},{"title":"Date-effective City Property Payoff","body":"The Tax Center Property Payoff covers Real Estate Tax, Commercial Trash, and L&I abatement-work invoices. Philadelphia says it does not include business-tax debts or liens, water and sewer charges, or fines for code violations.","action":"Request the City statement effective through settlement; read every period and invoice.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/guides/philadelphia-tax-center/what-to-do/"},{"title":"Professional title and water-lien searches","body":"OPA ownership, deed summaries, and a zero tax balance are not clear title. Mortgages, judgments, municipal claims, water liens, easements, heirs, and other encumbrances require separate searches.","action":"Use a Pennsylvania lawyer/title company and obtain owner’s title insurance; order the separate water search/payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-04-07-why-title-insurance-is-your-best-friend-when-buying-a-home-in-philadelphia/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/water-gas-utilities/pay-or-dispute-a-water-bill/resolve-water-liens-judgments/"},{"title":"Seller-specific tax relief is not the buyer’s bill","body":"LOOP and low-income or senior Real Estate Tax freezes depend on the qualifying owner and continued program eligibility; a buyer cannot assume the seller’s capped or frozen bill continues. A separately verified property abatement often remains with the property for its remaining term, but program-specific new-owner filing, use, and tax-compliance conditions still must be confirmed—not inferred from the reduced assessment alone.","action":"Have Revenue or OPA identify every current benefit, model the buyer’s bill without seller-specific relief, and confirm any verified abatement in writing.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/income-based-programs-for-residents/apply-for-the-longtime-owner-occupants-program-loop/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/tax-freeze/"},{"title":"Seller disclosure and independent inspections","body":"For a covered Pennsylvania residential transfer, obtain the statutory seller disclosure. It reports the seller’s knowledge; it is not a warranty, title search, code review, or substitute for inspections. Because OPA dates this building before 1978, separately obtain the required federal/City lead disclosures and any test results.","action":"Have the agreement and disclosure reviewed for this transaction’s coverage and exceptions.","url":"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/real-estate-commission"}]}