{"asOf":"2026-07-26T03:00:10.806Z","block":"200-299 N 3RD ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/200-299-n-3rd-st","address":"253 N 3RD ST","parcelNumber":"881000697","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=881000697","ownerType":"investor","kind":"apartments","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"Y70","buildingCodeNew":"804","buildingClass":"STR/OFF+APT 4 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"APARTMENTS - LOW RISE","useLabel":"Apartment building","owner":"WASHINGTON SQUARE VIEW LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":1529100,"landAssessment":305800,"improvementAssessment":1223300,"livableArea":6800,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":950000,"date":"2021-11-24T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":5,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2023-001100","date":"2023-01-06","code":"F-1104.16.5.1.8","title":"FIRE ESCAPE REPORT REQUIRED\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-08-01","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-067544","date":"2024-08-12","code":"PM15-302.1","title":"EXTERIOR AREA SANITATION","status":"WARNING ISSUED","resolutionDate":"2024-08-12","resolution":"WARNING ISSUED"},{"number":"VI-2025-080783","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-901.6","title":"INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-080784","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-080785","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-080786","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-903.5","title":"SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-14","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-080787","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-912.5","title":"FDC SIGNAGE REQUIRED\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2023-001471","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"AUDITS AND INVESTIGATIONS BUILDING CERTS","status":"COMPLIED, BALANCE DUE","createdDate":"2023-01-06","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2023-001100","date":"2023-01-06","code":"F-1104.16.5.1.8","title":"FIRE ESCAPE REPORT REQUIRED\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-08-01","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2024-087256","type":"WARNING","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CE & CLIP PME INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2024-08-12","completedDate":"2024-08-13","violations":[{"number":"VI-2024-067544","date":"2024-08-12","code":"PM15-302.1","title":"EXTERIOR AREA SANITATION","status":"WARNING ISSUED","resolutionDate":"2024-08-12","resolution":"WARNING ISSUED"}]},{"number":"CF-2025-110756","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"SHORT TERM RENTAL INVESTIGATOR","status":"IN VIOLATION","createdDate":"2025-10-07","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-080783","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-901.6","title":"INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-080784","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-080785","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-080786","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-903.5","title":"SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-14","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-080787","date":"2025-10-09","code":"F-912.5","title":"FDC SIGNAGE REQUIRED\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2023,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2024,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2025,"n":5,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-001471","date":"2023-01-06","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-001471","date":"2023-01-24","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-001471","date":"2023-04-24","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-001471","date":"2023-06-13","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-001471","date":"2023-08-02","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-087256","date":"2024-08-12","type":null,"status":null},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-110756","date":"2025-10-07","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-110756","date":"2025-10-09","type":null,"status":"FAILED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2023,"fails":4,"passes":1},{"y":2025,"fails":2,"passes":0}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.95547260787511,"lng":-75.14427426163711,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.144427664,39.955517164],[-75.144110503,39.955478902],[-75.144120861,39.955428051],[-75.144438021,39.955466315],[-75.144427664,39.955517164]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2022-019365","type":"Fire Escape Report","inspectionDate":"2017-11-13","result":"Safe","expirationDate":"2022-11-13","buildingId":"1384354"},{"number":"BC-2020-000987","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2020-12-10","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2021-12-10","buildingId":"1384354"},{"number":"BC-2023-015020","type":"Fire Escape Report","inspectionDate":"2023-07-21","result":"Safe with Repair","expirationDate":"2024-01-21","buildingId":"1384354"},{"number":"BC-2023-024612","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-11-21","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-11-21","buildingId":"1384354"},{"number":"BC-2024-000422","type":"Fire Escape Report","inspectionDate":"2024-01-04","result":"Safe","expirationDate":"2029-01-04","buildingId":"1384354"},{"number":"BC-2025-028457","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-07-11","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-07-11","buildingId":"1384354"},{"number":"BC-2026-000143","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-12-29","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-12-29","buildingId":"1384354"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19106","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":4,"lotArea":1688,"zoning":"CMX3","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"3","intCond":"3","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"5920 VETERANS BLVD, METAIRIE LA, 70003","mailOut":true,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2023,"v":1038600,"taxable":1038600,"land":207700,"improvement":830900,"taxableLand":207700,"taxableImprovement":830900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":1038600,"taxable":1038600,"land":207700,"improvement":830900,"taxableLand":207700,"taxableImprovement":830900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":1181200,"taxable":1181200,"land":236240,"improvement":944960,"taxableLand":236240,"taxableImprovement":944960,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":1181200,"taxable":1181200,"land":236240,"improvement":944960,"taxableLand":236240,"taxableImprovement":944960,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":1529100,"taxable":1529100,"land":305800,"improvement":1223300,"taxableLand":305800,"taxableImprovement":1223300,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":16534,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"1004890","date":"2019-08-23","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2020-12-21","scope":"INSTALL 3/4\" LF009 M3QTS BACKFLOW PREVENTOR THE PHILADELPHIA PLUMBING CODE 2004"},{"number":"ZP-2022-002437","date":"2022-04-07","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Vacant; Residential - Household Living - Multi-Family"},{"number":"CP-2022-002355","date":"2022-06-08","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-08-02","scope":"FOR LEVEL III ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE SKYLIGHTS, NEW PARTITIONS, FIXTURES, FURNISHINGS, FINISHES AS PER APPROVED PLANS. RESIDENTIAL PORTION TO BE SPRINKLERED PER NFPA 13R. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MEP AND FIRE SUPPRESSION WORK. AMENDMENT TO CHANGE WINDOWS ACCRODING TO PHC APPROVED PLANS AND TO ADD STAIRS FOR CREATION OF UNIT 1 STORAGE SPACE. AMENDMENT 11/15/22 TO INCLUDE ASBESTOS REPORT. ASBESTOS ABATEMENT REQUIRED PRIOR TO START OF WORK."},{"number":"FP-2022-002966","date":"2022-11-28","work":"New Construction","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-07-27","scope":"INSTALL NEW FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM COMPLYING WITH NFPA 13 AND NFPA 13R TO INCLUDE 4\" MAIN FIRE SERVICE LINE WITH 4\" AMES 2000SS BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY AND ONE (1) STANDPIPE RISER COMPLYING WITH NFPA 14 AS PER APPROVED PLANS. ALL WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED BY A FIRE SUPPRESSION CONTRACTOR LICENSED BY THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA."},{"number":"PP-2022-014952","date":"2022-12-13","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-07-27","scope":"supply and install 5 washer boxs 5 kitchen sinks 8 showers 8 toilets 8lavs"},{"number":"EP-2022-011230","date":"2022-12-13","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-07-21","scope":"Proposal includes all electrical labor, material and equipment as per walk thru and floor plan layout. Install and power all light fixtures throughout the space with Decora devices wired according to electrical plans. Install and supply all the receptacles throughout the spaces according to plans. Install new 600 Amp 1 phase Service as per 2017 NEC."},{"number":"PP-2022-018083","date":"2022-12-19","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-03-20","scope":"AMEND ADDING curb trap, fresh air inlet & main drain to foundation Installation of 1.5\" domestic water service"},{"number":"MP-2022-005221","date":"2023-01-25","work":"New Construction","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-07-27","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF REGISTERS, DIFFUSERS, AND APPLIANCES WITH ASSOCIATED DUCTWORK. APPLIANCES TO BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER WORK."},{"number":"ZP-2024-012234","date":"2024-12-13","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Visitor Accommodations"}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2023,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2023,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 4 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2024,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"5 L&I violations"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×2"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"217472","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"MARTIN FISCHER","legalName":"MARTIN FISCHER","address":"253 N 3RD ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":null,"units":3,"issuedDate":"2004-10-20","latestIssueDate":"2021-01-19","expirationDate":"2022-02-28","inactiveDate":"2022-04-29"},{"number":"935917","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"halal mahdi (WASHINGTON SQUARE VIEW, LLC )","legalName":"halal mahdi","address":"253 N 3RD ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Hotel|Residential Dwellings","units":5,"issuedDate":"2023-10-18","latestIssueDate":"2025-10-09","expirationDate":"2026-10-17","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"935917","type":"Rental","businessName":"halal mahdi (WASHINGTON SQUARE VIEW, LLC )","legalName":"halal mahdi","issuedDate":"2023-10-18","latestIssueDate":"2025-10-09","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2026-10-17","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"217472","type":"Rental","businessName":"MARTIN FISCHER","legalName":"MARTIN FISCHER","issuedDate":"2004-10-20","latestIssueDate":"2021-01-19","closureDate":"2022-04-29","expirationDate":"2022-02-28","inactiveDate":"2022-04-29","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","units":5,"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":["5 open L&I violations","failed L&I inspection activity in 2023, 2025"],"caveat":"A screening signal, not a foreclosure prediction. Tax entries are historical and must be verified with Philadelphia Revenue."},{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 29% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $1,181,200 to $1,529,100","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 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":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"1 permit not marked completed: 1004890 (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":"5 open L&I violations","finding":"7 violation rows are retained in the City ledger.","why":"Open notices can accrue fees, block permits or license renewal, and move to court or collection. Standard initial notices generally have a 30-day appeal window; unsafe or imminently-dangerous notices have a much shorter window.","action":"Read the notice—not only the summary status—and confirm reinspection, fees, and appeal posture with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"attention","title":"A life-safety certification appears expired","finding":"Fire Escape Report: Safe through Jan 4, 2029; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Dec 29, 2026; Sprinkler Certification: Certified through Jul 11, 2026","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":"Request the correction/reinspection and current filed certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"},{"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":"managing-agent","level":"verify","title":"Tax mail goes outside Philadelphia; owner residence still needs verification","finding":"OPA mails the property tax record outside Philadelphia (5920 VETERANS BLVD, METAIRIE LA, 70003).","why":"A tax mailing destination does not establish where the owner lives. If a rental owner lives outside Philadelphia, the City requires a managing agent with a Philadelphia mailing address; the owner remains legally responsible.","action":"Verify the buyer’s residence and, if the buyer will live outside Philadelphia, identify the Philadelphia managing agent on the new license application.","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 1920 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":"6 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was FAILED on Oct 9, 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":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as apartments. 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/"}]}