Property Owner Information
The brochure from Otter Property Management provides Philadelphia rental property owners with a concise guide to essential compliance programs, risk‑mitigation services, and optional support offerings. It outlines the PGW Landlord Co‑Op Program (highlighting potential liability for tenant gas bills and notification procedures), the PECO Landlord Program (automatic power‑bill reversion to prevent property damage), a virtual mailbox service ($29 per month for mail scanning and processing), the mandatory Philadelphia Tax ID registration, a water and sewer line protection program (approximately $12 per month for unlimited coverage), the requirement to obtain a Commercial Activity License after securing a Tax ID, and the compulsory Rental License ($63 per unit per year) with penalties for lapses. Each item includes brief action steps and links to the relevant agency or service. The tone is instructional and supportive, aiming to help owners stay compliant and protect their investments.
Topics
PGW Landlord Co‑Op Program: Gas Bill Liability Alerts
Explains that owners can become responsible for tenants' gas bills, sometimes amounting to thousands, and that the program notifies owners of PGW actions against the property.
PECO Landlord Program: Automatic Power Bill Reversion
Describes setting up property power accounts to revert to the owner's name when a tenant stops service, preventing freeze damage and speeding turnover.
Virtual Mailbox Service: Paperless Management for Owners
Offers a $29/month service where Otter Property Management receives, scans, emails, and processes mail (invoices, violations) on the owner's behalf.
Philadelphia Tax ID Registration: Mandatory Owner Identifier
States that every rental property owner must register with the Philadelphia Department of Revenue to obtain a Tax ID, linking to the registration portal.
Water/Sewer Protection Program: Low‑Cost Unlimited Coverage
Details a partnership between the Philadelphia Energy Authority and American Water Resources offering water and sewer line protection for about $12/month, with 24/7 support, unlimited service calls, no deductible, and a one‑year warranty.
Commercial Activity License: Post‑Tax‑ID Business Requirement
Clarifies that after obtaining a Philadelphia Tax ID, owners must apply for a non‑expiring Commercial Activity License to conduct business in the city.
Rental License Compliance: $63/Year per Unit Enforcement
Notes that every Philadelphia rental must have an active rental license costing $63 per unit annually; failure to maintain it prevents rent collection for days the license is inactive.