{"asOf":"2026-07-26T08:09:54.154Z","block":"1000-1099 S 53RD ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1000-1099-s-53rd-st","address":"1056 S 53RD ST","parcelNumber":"511049700","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=511049700","ownerType":"investor","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"T30","buildingCodeNew":"822","buildingClass":"ROW B/OFF-STR 2 STY MASON","buildingClassNew":"BSMTRETAIL MXD-COM/RES-BA RES","useLabel":"Mixed-use","owner":"CASTLEVIEWS LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":141100,"landAssessment":28220,"improvementAssessment":112880,"livableArea":1360,"yearBuilt":1925,"lastSale":{"price":131000,"date":"2021-06-29T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"211980011","date":"2019-12-04","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-12-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT 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PROCESSING"},{"number":"VI-2023-024985","date":"2023-04-19","code":"A-402.1/4","title":"COMPL CONCEAL- PLUMB PERM WORK","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-06","resolution":"CLOSED - STOP PROCESSING"},{"number":"VI-2025-059083","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-701.1/1","title":"OCCUPIED W/O TCO OR CO","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059078","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/50","title":"NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059079","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/43","title":"DUCTWORK","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059080","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/46","title":"HVAC SYSTEM","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059081","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-402.1/1","title":"COMPL CONCEAL- BLDG PERM WORK","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059082","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/54","title":"NEW PLUMBING","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"717926","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"UNSAFE","responsibility":"CSU INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2019-12-04","completedDate":"2021-12-29","violations":[{"number":"211980011","date":"2019-12-04","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-12-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"211980009","date":"2019-12-04","code":"PM15-304.1F","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 6","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-12-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"211980008","date":"2019-12-04","code":"A-304.1/1","title":"ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-12-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"211980012","date":"2019-12-04","code":"PM15-304.1G","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 7","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-12-29","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2023-032799","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2023-04-19","completedDate":"2025-05-06","violations":[{"number":"VI-2023-024983","date":"2023-04-19","code":"A-402.1/1","title":"COMPL CONCEAL- BLDG PERM WORK","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-06","resolution":"CLOSED - STOP PROCESSING"},{"number":"VI-2023-024984","date":"2023-04-19","code":"A-402.1/3","title":"COMPL CONCEAL- ELEC PERM WORK","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-06","resolution":"CLOSED - STOP PROCESSING"},{"number":"VI-2023-024985","date":"2023-04-19","code":"A-402.1/4","title":"COMPL CONCEAL- PLUMB PERM WORK","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-06","resolution":"CLOSED - STOP PROCESSING"}]},{"number":"CF-2025-082202","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING COURTS","status":"IN VIOLATION - COURT","createdDate":"2025-08-06","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-059083","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-701.1/1","title":"OCCUPIED W/O TCO OR CO","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059078","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/50","title":"NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059079","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/43","title":"DUCTWORK","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059080","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/46","title":"HVAC SYSTEM","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059081","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-402.1/1","title":"COMPL CONCEAL- BLDG PERM WORK","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-059082","date":"2025-08-06","code":"A-301.1/54","title":"NEW PLUMBING","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2019,"n":4,"worst":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE"},{"y":2023,"n":3,"worst":null},{"y":2025,"n":6,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"55446","date":"2006-01-27","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"55446","date":"2006-04-12","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"55446","date":"2006-04-20","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"89302","date":"2006-11-06","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"89302","date":"2011-01-13","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"717926","date":"2019-12-04","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"717926","date":"2020-01-06","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"717926","date":"2020-02-18","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"717926","date":"2021-10-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"717926","date":"2021-12-29","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-032799","date":"2023-04-19","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-032799","date":"2024-04-20","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-032799","date":"2025-05-06","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-082202","date":"2025-08-06","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-082202","date":"2025-12-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-082202","date":"2026-01-21","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-082202","date":"2026-06-22","type":null,"status":"FAILED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2006,"fails":3,"passes":1},{"y":2011,"fails":0,"passes":1},{"y":2019,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2020,"fails":2,"passes":0},{"y":2021,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2023,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2024,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2025,"fails":2,"passes":1},{"y":2026,"fails":2,"passes":0}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.94388840288101,"lng":-75.22571586819538,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.225790642,39.943803419],[-75.225832839,39.943839553],[-75.225642102,39.943973],[-75.225598463,39.943937367],[-75.225790642,39.943803419]]]},"liDistrict":"SOUTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19143","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":1224,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"5","intCond":"5","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"1056 S 53RD ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19143","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Building standards appeal","grounds":"ON 02/18/2020, THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS ISSUED A NOTICE OF UNSAFE VIOLATION, CASE#717926.","status":"OPEN","outcome":null,"date":"2020-03-12","number":"40094","relatedPermit":"717926"}],"taxYears":[{"year":2015,"total":353.2,"principal":130.7,"interest":61.17,"penalty":54.63},{"year":2016,"total":1258.5,"principal":1073.72,"interest":16.1,"penalty":10.74}],"taxNet":1611.7,"taxLien":true,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":66700,"taxable":66700,"land":5274,"improvement":61426,"taxableLand":5274,"taxableImprovement":61426,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":66700,"taxable":66700,"land":5274,"improvement":61426,"taxableLand":5274,"taxableImprovement":61426,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":66700,"taxable":66700,"land":5274,"improvement":61426,"taxableLand":5274,"taxableImprovement":61426,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":66700,"taxable":66700,"land":5274,"improvement":61426,"taxableLand":5274,"taxableImprovement":61426,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":72300,"taxable":72300,"land":5717,"improvement":66583,"taxableLand":5717,"taxableImprovement":66583,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":141100,"taxable":141100,"land":28220,"improvement":112880,"taxableLand":28220,"taxableImprovement":112880,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":1012,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"RP-2021-018819","date":"2021-12-01","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Residential Building","description":"Residential Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-02-17","scope":"**SEPARATE USE REGISTRATION PERMIT AND BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED TO LEGALIZE USE AS SHOWN ON PLANS** Make Safe Permit to address L&I Unsafe case #717926 for fractured, bulged, deteriorated, side exterior wall. loose, fractured rear foundation wall by replacement of joists at first and second floors, and removal and replacement of porch roof (no change to existing dimensions), as per plans sealed by Engineer dated 10/25/2021, and L&I Code Bulletin No. PM-1801; Abutting sidewalk must be closed with fencing a minimum of six (6) feet in height; Separate Streets Department permit required for sidewalk closure; no other work on this permit that does not specifically address case #717926; PA professional engineer is required to monitor repairs made under this permit. The engineer must submit a sealed statement to the Department confirming that the structure is in sound condition at completion."},{"number":"ZP-2022-000125","date":"2022-01-10","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Residential - Household Living - Two-Family; Office - Business and Professional"},{"number":"PP-2022-000237","date":"2022-01-14","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2023-03-23","scope":"Fixture replacement WITHOUT PIPING throughout to existing supply and waste lines"},{"number":"CP-2021-009524","date":"2022-03-23","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2025-08-27","scope":"INTERIOR ALTERATION TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE AS PER APPROVED PLAN."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":1.02,"timeline":[{"y":2020,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal filed"},{"y":2021,"k":"sale","p":131000},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2023,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2023,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2024,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"6 L&I violations"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2026,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×2"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"213744","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"KING HENRIETTA","legalName":"KING HENRIETTA","address":"1056 S 53RD ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2004-05-07","latestIssueDate":"2004-05-07","expirationDate":"2005-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"403741","type":"Rental","status":"Closed","businessName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","legalName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","address":"1056 S 53RD ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2007-03-20","latestIssueDate":"2016-04-27","expirationDate":"2017-02-28","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"445867","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","legalName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","address":"1056 S 53RD ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2008-05-19","latestIssueDate":"2008-05-19","expirationDate":"2009-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"706237","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","status":"Inactive","businessName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","legalName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","address":"1056 S 53RD ST","revenueCode":"3219","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2016-06-27","latestIssueDate":"2021-03-09","expirationDate":"2021-06-26","inactiveDate":"2021-08-25"},{"number":"891196","type":"Rental","status":"Revoked","businessName":"Castleviews llc","legalName":"Castleviews llc","address":"1056 S 53RD ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Hotel|Residential Dwellings","units":3,"issuedDate":"2022-04-04","latestIssueDate":"2023-04-10","expirationDate":"2024-04-03","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"891196","type":"Rental","businessName":"Castleviews llc","legalName":"Castleviews llc","issuedDate":"2022-04-04","latestIssueDate":"2023-04-10","closureDate":"2024-04-03","expirationDate":"2024-04-03","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Revoked","statusLabel":"Revoked","active":false},{"number":"706237","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","businessName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","legalName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","issuedDate":"2016-06-27","latestIssueDate":"2021-03-09","closureDate":"2021-08-25","expirationDate":"2021-06-26","inactiveDate":"2021-08-25","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"403741","type":"Rental","businessName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","legalName":"HOWARD HAMMOND","issuedDate":"2007-03-20","latestIssueDate":"2016-04-27","closureDate":"2017-02-28","expirationDate":"2017-02-28","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Closed","active":false},{"number":"213744","type":"Rental","businessName":"KING HENRIETTA","legalName":"KING HENRIETTA","issuedDate":"2004-05-07","latestIssueDate":"2004-05-07","closureDate":"2012-12-22","expirationDate":"2005-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","signals":[{"kind":"record-pressure","level":"elevated","title":"Records to verify together","summary":"More than one separately dated public record deserves a current-status check.","evidence":["a lien number appears in the historical tax ledger through 2016","failed L&I inspection activity in 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026"],"caveat":"A screening signal, not a foreclosure prediction. Tax entries are historical and must be verified with Philadelphia Revenue."},{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"elevated","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 4 permit events matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2021","permit activity in 2021, 2022"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."},{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 95% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $72,300 to $141,100","no permit shown in 2026-2028"],"caveat":"Not proof of unpermitted work; reassessment, corrected data, or a permit under another parcel can also explain it."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"The history also contains “OCCUPIED W/O TCO OR CO.”","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":"2 permits not marked completed: PP-2022-000237 (Expired), CP-2021-009524 (Expired). At least one row also carries a completion date, so the City fields conflict.","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":"violations","level":"attention","title":"An unsafe-building history still deserves the repair file","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 13 historical violations across 3 cases.","why":"The aggregate currently shows zero open violations, so a historical unsafe/imminently-dangerous row is not a current hazard finding. The repair or demolition permit, final inspection, and case closure are the evidence that resolves the former designation.","action":"Review the Make Safe/repair permit, final inspection, and case closure.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"},{"id":"mixed-use","level":"verify","title":"Residential and business space run on separate compliance tracks","finding":"OPA classifies this parcel as mixed-use.","why":"The zoning/use and occupancy file must cover the actual residential and commercial spaces. Dwelling units can require Rental Licenses and lead compliance; the operator can separately need an Activity License and sector license; installed fire systems can require annual certification.","action":"Match every dwelling and business use to the zoning permit, CO, current operator licenses, and life-safety filings.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"id":"rental-status","level":"verify","title":"Residential form does not establish rental use","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use; no active Rental License row matched.","why":"A multi-unit or mixed-use classification does not prove that space is currently rented. If dwelling space is rented, Philadelphia generally requires a current Rental License and related occupancy, tax, violation, and lead compliance.","action":"Confirm actual occupancy first; if any unit is rented, verify the license and legal unit count with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"13 failed, 4 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was FAILED on Jun 22, 2026.","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":"business-license","level":"verify","title":"A historical business license is not current operating authority","finding":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot #706237: Inactive since Aug 25, 2021","why":"A license record proves the licensed activity existed at that time. An inactive or expired license does not establish that the business still operates—or that it may legally reopen under the same use.","action":"If business income matters, verify the current tenant, use registration, and active license in eCLIPSE.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/licenses/business-licenses/"},{"id":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use. BlockReport does not receive a current Commercial Trash account balance.","why":"Philadelphia charges qualifying small commercial, mixed-use, and multi-unit properties that use City collection; exemptions and private collection can change applicability. A use category alone does not prove a fee is due.","action":"Check the Commercial Trash account inside the date-effective Property Payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-06-09-pay-your-trash-fee-bill-by-june-30/"}],"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/"}]}