{"asOf":"2026-07-26T17:03:20.034Z","block":"1200-1299 W RUSSELL ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1200-1299-w-russell-st","address":"1218 W RUSSELL ST","parcelNumber":"431073500","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=431073500","ownerType":"investor","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"home":true,"commercial":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"O30","buildingCodeNew":"24","buildingClass":"ROW 2 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW PORCH FRONT","useLabel":"House","owner":"ASTUTE INVESTING LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":116600,"landAssessment":23320,"improvementAssessment":93280,"livableArea":1500,"yearBuilt":1940,"lastSale":{"price":40000,"date":"2021-11-05T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2022-062221","date":"2022-08-18","code":"A-301.1/7","title":"INTERIOR DEMOLITION","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-09-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2022-062222","date":"2022-08-18","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"ALTER INTERIOR PORTION","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-03","resolution":"CLOSED - STOP PROCESSING"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2022-084680","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING COURTS","status":"COMPLIED, BALANCE DUE","createdDate":"2022-08-18","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2022-062221","date":"2022-08-18","code":"A-301.1/7","title":"INTERIOR DEMOLITION","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-09-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2022-062222","date":"2022-08-18","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"ALTER INTERIOR PORTION","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-03","resolution":"CLOSED - STOP PROCESSING"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2022,"n":2,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-084680","date":"2022-08-18","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-084680","date":"2022-09-29","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-084680","date":"2022-11-14","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-084680","date":"2025-03-04","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2022,"fails":3,"passes":0},{"y":2025,"fails":0,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.00506672231755,"lng":-75.14899589792026,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.149045099,40.004968852],[-75.148999879,40.005164329],[-75.148948212,40.005157678],[-75.148988565,40.00497763],[-75.149045099,40.004968852]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19140","beds":3,"baths":1,"stories":2,"lotArea":1091,"zoning":"RM1","grade":"C","basement":"D","heater":"H","centralAir":false,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"1801 67TH AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19126","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":1,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":54200,"taxable":54200,"land":3492,"improvement":50708,"taxableLand":3492,"taxableImprovement":50708,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":54200,"taxable":54200,"land":11003,"improvement":43197,"taxableLand":11003,"taxableImprovement":43197,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":54200,"taxable":54200,"land":11003,"improvement":43197,"taxableLand":11003,"taxableImprovement":43197,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":55000,"taxable":55000,"land":11165,"improvement":43835,"taxableLand":11165,"taxableImprovement":43835,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":42000,"taxable":42000,"land":8526,"improvement":33474,"taxableLand":8526,"taxableImprovement":33474,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":42000,"taxable":42000,"land":8526,"improvement":33474,"taxableLand":8526,"taxableImprovement":33474,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":42000,"taxable":42000,"land":8526,"improvement":33474,"taxableLand":8526,"taxableImprovement":33474,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":85000,"taxable":85000,"land":17000,"improvement":68000,"taxableLand":17000,"taxableImprovement":68000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":85000,"taxable":85000,"land":17000,"improvement":68000,"taxableLand":17000,"taxableImprovement":68000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":114400,"taxable":114400,"land":22880,"improvement":91520,"taxableLand":22880,"taxableImprovement":91520,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":114400,"taxable":114400,"land":22880,"improvement":91520,"taxableLand":22880,"taxableImprovement":91520,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":116600,"taxable":116600,"land":23320,"improvement":93280,"taxableLand":23320,"taxableImprovement":93280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":1601,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"84283","date":"2007-06-19","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":null,"scope":"NEW 3/4\" WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE"},{"number":"ZP-2022-008244","date":"2022-07-26","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Residential - Household Living - Two-Family"},{"number":"GM-2022-007411","date":"2022-08-23","work":"Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demo.","type":"General Permit Minor","description":"General Permit Minor","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-09-08","scope":"For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references codes and standards, and the attached EZ Standard, where included. Deviation from this standard shall result in permit revocation. A separate permit from the Philadelphia Department of Streets is required for any sidewalk and street closures. All means of pedestrian protection required at the site in accordance with the Philadelphia Building Code Chapter 33 shall be in place prior to start of work."},{"number":"RP-2022-010028","date":"2022-12-13","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Residential Building","description":"Residential Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-05-24","scope":"FOR INTERIOR ALTERATION OF EXISTING STRUCTURE TO CREATE HOUSEHOLD LIVING TWO FAMILY DWELLING. SIZE AND LOCATION AS PER PLANS. ** SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR PLUMBING, ELECTRIC AND MECHANICAL**"},{"number":"MP-2022-006640","date":"2023-01-09","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-05-24","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES- For Mechanical Work to include the installation as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. EACH HVAC UNIT TO BE SELF-CONTAINED WITHIN EACH DWELLING UNIT. NO PENETRATIONS OF RATED ASSEMBLIES. *ROOFTOP UNITS PERMITTED IF INCLUDED IN BUILDING PLANS* Install 2 ton heat pump system to first floor with new duct work. Install 2 zone mini split heat pump for 2nd floor apartment. *CONTRACTOR IS A SOLE PROPRIETOR WITH NO EMPLOYEES* Combo with RP-2022-010028."},{"number":"EP-2023-001473","date":"2023-02-22","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-05-16","scope":"AMEND CHANGE INSPECTION AGENCY TO Sundog Install receptacles per NEC standards Install 1 light per room Install 2 - 20 amp kitchen counter top circuits. (Per unit) Install 1 - 20 amp refrigerator circuit. (Per unit) Install 1 - 20 amp mircowave circuit. (Per unit install 1 smoke detector in each bedroom Install 1 CO/smoke detector on each floor Install 1 - 200 Amp service with a 3 gang meterbase Install 1 - 100 Amp Sub panel per unit (2 total ) Install 1 - 100 House panel As per 2017 nec"},{"number":"PP-2023-002447","date":"2023-02-27","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-05-24","scope":"Installing 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms and 2 water heaters"}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2007,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2021,"k":"sale","p":40000},{"y":2022,"k":"viol","w":"2 L&I violations"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2022,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×3"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demo."},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"888572","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"Astute Investing LLC","legalName":"Astute Investing LLC","address":"1218 W RUSSELL ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":2,"issuedDate":"2022-02-28","latestIssueDate":"2026-03-12","expirationDate":"2027-02-27","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"888572","type":"Rental","businessName":"Astute Investing LLC","legalName":"Astute Investing LLC","issuedDate":"2022-02-28","latestIssueDate":"2026-03-12","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-02-27","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","units":2,"signals":[{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"elevated","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 6 permit events matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2021","permit activity in 2022, 2023"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"The record identifies more than one dwelling/use.","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":"rental-license","level":"verify","title":"A rental license does not transfer with the deed","finding":"1 active Rental License record matched.","why":"If dwelling space is rented, the buyer must obtain a new annual Rental License; the seller’s license is not transferable. New applications require proof of ownership and legal occupancy, tax compliance, no open L&I violations, and lead compliance where applicable.","action":"Plan the buyer’s replacement license before settlement.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"lead","level":"verify","title":"Lead compliance is a separate record","finding":"OPA records a 1940 build year; BlockReport does not receive the Health Department’s unit-level lead certificate file.","why":"Philadelphia requires covered pre-March-1978 rentals to be certified lead-safe or lead-free for a new or renewed lease and for a new or renewed Rental License. A certificate is unit-specific; a renovation does not by itself create an exemption.","action":"Request the current lead certificate or City exemption for every dwelling unit.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/lead-and-healthy-homes-resources-for-landlords/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"3 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Mar 4, 2025.","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":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 2 historical violations across 1 case.","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"}]}