Rental Licenses
The Borough requires all property owners who rent their property to tenants to apply for and maintain an annual rental license. Applicants pay a fee, submit a tenant landlord form indicating occupants’ names and whether they are students, and pass a health and safety inspection. New license applications are available year-round. Renewing licensees are contacted in June to renew the annual license beginning July 1.
Student homes are defined as two or more unrelated students living together and are regulated as a separate use in the Zoning Code. New student homes require special approval. A list of current student homes is available for download.
Rental licensees may apply or renew online and submit payment electronically once all items have been reviewed and approved. Rental licenses are valid from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
The property owner/Responsible Agent must create an account on the permitting and licensing portal. After this step is completed, please email housing@west-chester.com so that the license(s) can be linked to the portal account. Please include the license number(s) and accompanying address(es) in the body of the email.
Tenant Landlord form updates are also required any time a change in tenants occurs. The Borough uses these forms to update eligibility for parking permits.
For new licenses, a rental inspection of the property is scheduled after submission of the tenant landlord form prior to payment and issuance of the license. Renewing rental license properties are inspected on a rolling schedule throughout the year. If you have not had a rental inspection in the last year, you will need an inspection before your license is approved.