Hiring Commercial Property Services Providers in Pennsylvania

Commercial real estate services in Pennsylvania rely on municipal oversight: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh issue Commercial Contractor licenses and require lead-safe certification for renovations, while electricians, plumbers, and fire-suppression contractors hold city-specific licenses and must pull permits with the Department of Licenses & Inspections or Bureau of Building Inspection. Soft vendors—janitorial, landscaping, pest control, parking management, security patrol, waste hauling, or snow removal—must hold a Pennsylvania business registration; pesticide applicators are certified by the Department of Agriculture, and security agencies licensed by the State Police. Set $2 million general liability for trades and $1 million for routine cleaning, statutory workers’ comp, and E&O for architects or brownfield consultants. Verify OSHA HAZCOM adherence, Department of Environmental Protection asbestos or storm-water compliance, and for Philadelphia, Façade Ordinance inspection experience. Choose firms with proven success on assets like Navy Yard labs, Lehigh Valley logistics, or Center City multifamily, and secure references.