{"asOf":"2026-07-28T14:39:56.069Z","block":"2500-2599 KENSINGTON AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/2500-2599-kensington-ave","address":"2538 KENSINGTON AVE","parcelNumber":"871141200","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871141200","ownerType":"absentee","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"Y50","buildingCodeNew":"820","buildingClass":"STR/OFF+APT 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW MIXED-COM/RES-BLT AS RES","useLabel":"Apartment building","owner":"CHUEN WAN WAH","coOwner":null,"marketValue":193200,"landAssessment":38640,"improvementAssessment":154560,"livableArea":3513,"yearBuilt":1875,"lastSale":{"price":95000,"date":"2018-09-24T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"708072","date":"2007-10-15","code":"09-1403.1/2","title":"SCALE 1 TO 50 LBS LR","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"708073","date":"2007-10-15","code":"LR-1","title":"RENEW LIC INDICATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"1940959","date":"2011-01-04","code":"LO-1","title":"OBTAIN LIC INDICATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"1940960","date":"2011-01-04","code":"14-1704/50","title":"NO ZONING/USE PERMIT-SIGN","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2022-087470","date":"2022-11-17","code":"F-907.4.2.4","title":"MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX SIGNS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-02-14","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2022-087467","date":"2022-11-17","code":"LO-1 ","title":"FAIL OBTAIN LICENSE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-02-03","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2022-087468","date":"2022-11-17","code":"F-607.3.3.3","title":"COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD RECORDS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-02-14","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2022-087469","date":"2022-11-17","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-05-15","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-096342","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-1013.1","title":"EXIT SIGNS WHERE REQUIRED\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-096343","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-096344","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-02","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-096376","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-901.6","title":"INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-02","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"131624","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2007-10-18","completedDate":"2008-04-02","violations":[{"number":"708072","date":"2007-10-15","code":"09-1403.1/2","title":"SCALE 1 TO 50 LBS LR","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"708073","date":"2007-10-15","code":"LR-1","title":"RENEW LIC INDICATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"263201","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2011-01-05","completedDate":"2011-07-13","violations":[{"number":"1940959","date":"2011-01-04","code":"LO-1","title":"OBTAIN LIC INDICATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"1940960","date":"2011-01-04","code":"14-1704/50","title":"NO ZONING/USE PERMIT-SIGN","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2022-117078","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"FIRE SAFETY INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2022-11-21","completedDate":"2023-05-15","violations":[{"number":"VI-2022-087470","date":"2022-11-17","code":"F-907.4.2.4","title":"MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX SIGNS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-02-14","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2022-087467","date":"2022-11-17","code":"LO-1 ","title":"FAIL OBTAIN LICENSE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-02-03","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2022-087468","date":"2022-11-17","code":"F-607.3.3.3","title":"COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD RECORDS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-02-14","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2022-087469","date":"2022-11-17","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-05-15","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]},{"number":"CF-2025-132920","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"QOL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2025-12-11","completedDate":"2026-02-07","violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-096342","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-1013.1","title":"EXIT SIGNS WHERE REQUIRED\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-096343","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-096344","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-02","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2025-132962","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE OF VIOLATION","responsibility":"QOL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2025-12-11","completedDate":"2026-02-03","violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-096376","date":"2025-12-11","code":"F-901.6","title":"INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-02-02","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2007,"n":2,"worst":null},{"y":2011,"n":2,"worst":null},{"y":2022,"n":4,"worst":null},{"y":2025,"n":4,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"131624","date":"2007-10-15","type":"BC INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"131624","date":"2008-03-12","type":"BC INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"263201","date":"2011-01-04","type":"BC INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"263201","date":"2011-01-04","type":"BC INSP","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"263201","date":"2011-06-06","type":"CEASE INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-117078","date":"2022-11-21","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-117078","date":"2022-12-31","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-117078","date":"2023-02-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-117078","date":"2023-05-15","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-132920","date":"2025-12-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-132962","date":"2025-12-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-132962","date":"2025-12-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-132920","date":"2026-02-03","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-132962","date":"2026-02-03","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-132920","date":"2026-02-07","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2007,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2008,"fails":0,"passes":1},{"y":2011,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2022,"fails":2,"passes":0},{"y":2023,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2025,"fails":3,"passes":0},{"y":2026,"fails":1,"passes":2}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.98851329113129,"lng":-75.12850564257921,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.12835113,39.98837779],[-75.128392163,39.988354466],[-75.128660318,39.988648913],[-75.128618737,39.988671789],[-75.12835113,39.98837779]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2026-002873","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2026-01-22","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2027-01-22","buildingId":"1022389"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19125","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":1950,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"7208 LARGE ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19149","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":3,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":126600,"taxable":87000,"land":19500,"improvement":107100,"taxableLand":19500,"taxableImprovement":67500,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":39600},{"y":2017,"v":126600,"taxable":87000,"land":19500,"improvement":107100,"taxableLand":19500,"taxableImprovement":67500,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":39600},{"y":2018,"v":92400,"taxable":87000,"land":18480,"improvement":73920,"taxableLand":18480,"taxableImprovement":68520,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":5400},{"y":2019,"v":97800,"taxable":87000,"land":19560,"improvement":78240,"taxableLand":19560,"taxableImprovement":67440,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":10800},{"y":2020,"v":98700,"taxable":87000,"land":19740,"improvement":78960,"taxableLand":19740,"taxableImprovement":67260,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":11700},{"y":2021,"v":98700,"taxable":87000,"land":19740,"improvement":78960,"taxableLand":19740,"taxableImprovement":67260,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":11700},{"y":2022,"v":98700,"taxable":87000,"land":19740,"improvement":78960,"taxableLand":19740,"taxableImprovement":67260,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":11700},{"y":2023,"v":101900,"taxable":87000,"land":20380,"improvement":81520,"taxableLand":20380,"taxableImprovement":66620,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":14900},{"y":2024,"v":101900,"taxable":101900,"land":20380,"improvement":81520,"taxableLand":20380,"taxableImprovement":81520,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":133400,"taxable":133400,"land":26680,"improvement":106720,"taxableLand":26680,"taxableImprovement":106720,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":133400,"taxable":133400,"land":26680,"improvement":106720,"taxableLand":26680,"taxableImprovement":106720,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":193200,"taxable":193200,"land":38640,"improvement":154560,"taxableLand":38640,"taxableImprovement":154560,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":1867,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"302749","date":"2010-09-23","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":null,"scope":"REPLACE 200 AMP SERVICE CABLE AND 200 AMP MAIN PANEL,INSTALL GROUND ROD AND GROUND WIRE FROM WATER METER TO MAIN PANEL PER 2008 NEC"},{"number":"328939","date":"2011-03-17","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-03-17","scope":"ERECTION OF FLAT AWNING AND NEON WINDOW SIGN PERMIT"},{"number":"MP-2022-004493","date":"2022-11-29","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2023-06-15","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ONE (1) 92\" HOOD FOR A POULTRY SHOP WITH AN EXHAUST FAN AND A MAKE-UP AIR FAN WITH ASSOCIATED DUCTWORK, ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY, CONTACT DESIGN PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS TO BE OBTAINED FOR ALL OTHER WORK."}],"storyTag":"Renovated & sold on","storyDelta":8.5,"timeline":[{"y":2007,"k":"viol","w":"2 L&I violations"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2011,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning/use"},{"y":2011,"k":"viol","w":"2 L&I violations"},{"y":2018,"k":"sale","p":95000},{"y":2022,"k":"viol","w":"4 L&I violations"},{"y":2022,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×2"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2023,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"4 L&I violations"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×3"},{"y":2026,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 2 passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"282572","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","status":"Inactive","businessName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES,LLC","legalName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES,LLC","address":"2538 KENSINGTON AVE","revenueCode":"3230","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2004-07-26","latestIssueDate":"2010-07-20","expirationDate":"2011-07-31","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"200817","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","status":"Inactive","businessName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES LLC","legalName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES LLC","address":"2538 KENSINGTON AVE","revenueCode":"3118","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2004-07-26","latestIssueDate":"2018-04-01","expirationDate":"2019-04-30","inactiveDate":"2019-06-29"},{"number":"513964","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","status":"Inactive","businessName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES,LLC","legalName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES,LLC","address":"2538 KENSINGTON AVE","revenueCode":"3230","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2010-09-08","latestIssueDate":"2012-08-04","expirationDate":"2013-07-31","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"793608","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"Kensington Poultry LLC","legalName":"Kensington Poultry LLC ","address":"2538 KENSINGTON AVE","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2018-11-05","latestIssueDate":"2023-01-13","expirationDate":"2023-11-04","inactiveDate":"2024-01-03"},{"number":"935450","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","status":"Active","businessName":"Kensington Poultry LLC","legalName":"Kensington Poultry LLC ","address":"2538 KENSINGTON AVE","revenueCode":"3118","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2023-10-12","latestIssueDate":"2025-10-22","expirationDate":"2026-10-11","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"935450","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","businessName":"Kensington Poultry LLC","legalName":"Kensington Poultry LLC ","issuedDate":"2023-10-12","latestIssueDate":"2025-10-22","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2026-10-11","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"793608","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"Kensington Poultry LLC","legalName":"Kensington Poultry LLC ","issuedDate":"2018-11-05","latestIssueDate":"2023-01-13","closureDate":"2024-01-03","expirationDate":"2023-11-04","inactiveDate":"2024-01-03","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"513964","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","businessName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES,LLC","legalName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES,LLC","issuedDate":"2004-07-26","latestIssueDate":"2012-08-04","closureDate":"2013-07-31","expirationDate":"2013-07-31","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"200817","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","businessName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES LLC","legalName":"COCKADOODLE ENTERPRISES LLC","issuedDate":"2004-07-26","latestIssueDate":"2018-04-01","closureDate":"2019-06-29","expirationDate":"2019-04-30","inactiveDate":"2019-06-29","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-27","signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Use permit #328939: 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":"1 permit not marked completed: MP-2022-004493 (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":"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":"9 failed, 5 passed, and 1 CLOSED investigation outcome are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Feb 7, 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":"Dumpster License - Private Property #282572: Inactive; Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location #200817: Inactive since Jun 29, 2019; Dumpster License - Private Property #513964: Inactive; Food Preparing and Serving #793608: Inactive since Jan 3, 2024","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/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 12 historical violations across 5 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/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"clear","title":"Filed system certifications are current in this dataset","finding":"Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Jan 22, 2027","why":"Fire-protection certifications apply to the named system and inspection period only; they are not a whole-building safety certificate. Philadelphia generally requires annual sprinkler, standpipe, fire-alarm, special-hazard, and emergency-power inspections where those systems exist.","action":"Confirm the certificate covers every applicable system and remains accepted by L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"}],"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/"}]}