5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Philadelphia

Renting an apartment in Philadelphia can be a smart move for renters looking for the big-city life without the high costs of placees like New York City or Washington, D.C. Plus, Philly offers a unique mix of history, culture, and affordability that makes it attractive to both locals and newcomers. Whether you’re drawn by the city’s rich history, top universities or booming food scene, there are plenty of reasons to rent an apartment in Philadelphia.

Rentals in Philadelphia range from charming, old rowhomes to sleek, new developments. Many neighborhoods — like East Passyunk, Manayunk and Fishtown — offer walkable streets, local dining and solid public transit access. Whether you’re looking to rent near Center City or want to be tucked away in a quieter neighborhood, Philadelphia offers something for nearly every renter’s budget and lifestyle.

If you’re apartment-hunting in 2025, it pays to know the right questions to ask before signing a lease as this can help you avoid issues down the road. Here are five smart questions every renter should ask before renting an apartment in Philadelphia:

1. Is the apartment certified as lead-safe or lead-free?

Philadelphia’s older housing stock — particularly rowhomes built before 1978 — may contain lead-based paint, which can pose health risks. For this reason, city regulations require lead-safe or lead-free certification for rental units where children under six will be living. Even if no children are involved, it’s a good idea to ask about certification because lead exposure can affect people of all ages. If the unit hasn’t been tested or certified, consider asking the landlord whether testing is planned or possible — especially in older properties.

2. What neighborhood is this apartment building technically in, and what are the boundaries?

Neighborhood lines in Philly aren’t always clear. Additionally, some listings stretch the truth by calling a place “Graduate Hospital” when it’s really in Point Breeze, or “Fairmount” when it’s closer to Brewerytown. However, knowing the exact neighborhood helps you research crime stats, local schools and transit access. It also helps you spot listings that may be overpriced just because they’re labeled with a trendier name. So, ask the landlord or look up the address using the city’s neighborhood maps or online map tools to get clarity.

3. Are there any planned developments or construction nearby?

Philadelphia’s redevelopment is booming, especially in areas like Kensington, University City and Fishtown. That can mean major construction projects right outside your window. Although growth can be a good sign, nearby construction can also bring months of noise, dust and street closures. It might even affect your rent or lease terms if the neighborhood is changing rapidly. So, before renting an apartment in Philadelphia, check the City of Philadelphia’s Atlas tool to see if there are upcoming permits or zoning changes near the property.

4. What’s the parking situation like in this neighborhood or zone?

If you own a car, don’t assume you’ll always find a spot out front. Street parking in many areas — like South Philly, Northern Liberties or Graduate Hospital — can be a daily struggle. For example, you might need a residential parking permit and, even then, you’ll compete with others for limited spots. While some rental apartments in Philadelphia offer off-street or garage parking, not all do. For this reason, ask about available parking, whether it’s included in the rent and what the neighborhood rules are.

5. What’s included in the rent (such as heat, water and trash), and how is the unit heated?

Many older buildings in Philadelphia use heating systems like oil or electric baseboards, which can lead to higher utility costs during the winter. Therefore, it’s helpful to ask what type of heat the apartment uses because some systems — such as natural gas — are typically more energy-efficient. It’s also important to confirm what’s included in the rent, such as heat, water or trash collection. While city services usually handle trash pickup, some properties — especially smaller, multi-unit buildings — may have different arrangements or additional fees. To avoid surprises, clarify these details with the landlord before signing the lease.

With its mix of history, food, culture and affordability, Philly is a great place to rent. That said, smart renters know that asking the right questions can make all the difference. Before signing that lease, dig a little deeper to make sure the apartment — and the neighborhood — truly fits your needs.

If you’re searching for apartments in Philadelphia, keep these questions in mind during your tours and conversations. Whether you’re looking for Philly rentals near the subway or a quiet corner of South Philly, asking the right things now can save you hassle later.

Ready to find your next home? Start your search for rental apartments in Philadelphia. Or, if you’re interested in renting an apartment in other major cities, check out similar guides for Chicago, San Francisco and Dallas.