House report

1638 Howell St

3 bd · 1 ba · 2 stories · 960 sqft · RSA5 · built 1950

Owner-occupancy signal · assessed $177K (2026) · 2027 OPA assessment $188K · sold 2×. On the 1600 block of Howell St.

Street view of 1638 Howell St
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BlockReport AI · cited public records

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Property summary

“Open” reflects records available then historical records keep their source dates estimates are labeled

Question or correct this record

BlockReport can explain a discrepancy, but it cannot rewrite an official City record. Use the agency that owns the underlying fact:

The estimate, live balance, and back-tax record are different.

BlockReport can calculate the annual tax from the City’s taxable assessment. Payments, credits, interest, and a current amount due live separately in Philadelphia Tax Center.

Estimated annual Real Estate Tax$1,082/year

2026 taxable assessment $77,300 × 1.3998%. Estimate—not a bill or account balance.

OPA also publishes a 2027 assessment of $187,900; it is not the 2026 billed-year value.

Official current account balanceCheck live

A Tax Center balance is net of bills, payments, credits, interest, and adjustments. A credit—or an amount due—is not automatically “back taxes.”

OPA 621124900
Open Philadelphia Tax Center →Choose “View period balance” to see the tax year and any credit, interest, or delinquency.
Exemption classificationHomestead exemption

2026 OPA removes $100,000 from the taxable assessment through the owner-occupant exemption.

Historical delinquency sources No current conclusion

This parcel did not match the June 2022 delinquency snapshot. That absence does not confirm the account is current today.

For a purchase, refinance, or closing, request the City’s official Property Payoff statement in Tax Center under “More options.”

What stands out

From the public record
Finding

Permit between transfers

Record summary

$140K transfer in 2012; plumbing permit in 2009; $140K transfer in 2012 (+40% between recorded amounts).

View supporting records →

What to do with this

The record, translated into moves — what a buyer, the owner, and a landlord would each want to check next under Philadelphia's actual rules.

If you’re buying

Built 1950: lead rules apply

Federal law requires a lead-paint disclosure at sale for any pre-1978 home. If it will be rented, Philadelphia also requires a lead-safe or lead-free certificate before a rental license can issue.

Zoned RSA5: one household by right

Single-family rowhouse (the classic Philly row). Converting to a duplex or apartments needs a use variance the zoning board rarely grants — Pennsylvania courts require a physical hardship of the lot itself, and economics alone do not qualify.

Derived from the fetched property records and linked City guidance as of 2026. Assessment treatment is not a substitute for an exemption approval, live balance, title report, license, occupancy certificate, or inspection. Informational only — not legal, tax, or investment advice.

Assessment and tax history

Every fetched annual City assessment for this house, compared with its block and ZIP. The figures show assessment change, the billed-year tax estimate, dated tax records, and recorded transfers. They do not estimate market appreciation or investment return.

Assessed value
$177,300
2026 billed-year assessment · 2027: $187,900 · built 1950
Price / sq ft
$196
block $196 · in line w/ block
Assessment change
+88%
+6%/yr since 2016 · 2027 +6% vs 2026
Est. tax bill / yr
$1,082
0.61% effective
Jun 2022 tax snapshot
No match
not proof the account is current
Times sold
2

Assessment vs. the block and ZIP · every dated City record marked on the line

$0$125K$250KZIP 19149 median$188K2005200920132017202120252027
Property assessmentBlock median & rangeZIP 19149 medianAssessmentDeed / saleL&I violationPermitInspectionLicense

Scroll horizontally to move through the years. Each icon sits on its recorded date; records without a day are labeled and centered within their year. Select one to explain the filing.

Highlight
Every dated record28 events · exact dates, newest first
  1. LicenseChild Care Facility
  2. PermitUse
  3. Deed / saleDeed / sale $140K
  4. PermitElectrical
  5. PermitPlumbing
  6. PermitMajor alteration
  7. L&I violationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
  8. L&I violationLICENSE - RENTAL PROPERTY
  9. L&I violationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
  10. L&I violationCOMPL CONCEAL- PLUMB PERM WORK
  11. InspectionBP_BLDG
  12. L&I violationPERMB- WK DONE W/O NOTIFY INSP
  13. InspectionBP_BLDG
  14. PermitPlumbing
  15. L&I violationBLDG MATERIAL EXTERIOR-OWNER
  16. L&I violationRUBBISH/GARBAGE EXTERIOR-OWNER
  17. L&I violationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
  18. L&I violationVACANT BLDG - VOTA
  19. L&I violationVACANT BLDG KEEP CLEAN GET LIC
  20. L&I violationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
  21. PermitElectrical
  22. PermitMajor alteration
  23. InspectionHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)
  24. L&I violationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE
  25. L&I violationHIGH WEEDS-CUT
  26. LicenseRental
  27. InspectionHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)
  28. InspectionL_CLIP

The paper trail

$140K transfer in 2012; plumbing permit in 2009; $140K transfer in 2012 (+40% between recorded amounts).

  1. 2009 PlumbingPermitPlumbingPermitPlumbingPermit8 L&I violationsL&IInspection failedL&I visit
  2. 2010 4 L&I violationsL&IInspection passedL&I visitMajor alterationPermitPlumbingPermit
  3. 2011 ElectricalPermit
  4. 2012 $140KTransfer
  5. 2016 UsePermit

Browse the source ledger

The chart above is the primary timeline. This drawer preserves every underlying dated row and its filed status for source-level review.

Open the City record ↗
Browse 36 dated records deeds, permits, inspections, licenses, violations, certifications & appeals
  1. LicenseChild Care Facility

    License 724157 · Inactive

    ANTHONY W WASHINGTON JR · Expires 2017-12-22 · Inactive 2018-02-20

  2. PermitUse

    Permit 731856 · COMPLETED

    FOR A FAMILY DAY CARE WITH SIX (6) CHILDREN NOT MORE THAN TWENTY-FOUR (24) CONSECUTIVE HOURS WITH ACCESSORY PREPARATION AND SERVING OF FOOD INCIDENTAL AS PART OF EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING.

  3. Recorded transfer$140K transfer

    2012

  4. PermitElectrical

    Permit 324536 · COMPLETED

    INSTALLED 100AMP SERVICE REWIRE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS,NEW RECEPTACLES,SWITCHES AND SMOKE DETECTOR IN ALL ROOM AS PER 2008 NEC

  5. PermitPlumbing

    Permit 315432 · COMPLETED

    INTERIOR PLUMBING - SOIL AND WASTE PIPING - FIXTURE REPLACEMENT - (2)WC, (2)LAV, (1)SH, (1)BT, (1)WM AND (1)KS

  6. PermitMajor alteration

    Permit 314139 · COMPLETED

    700 SQUARE FEET OF INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING. APPLICANTS AGGREES TO LIMIT THE CONSTRUCTION TO COMPLY WITH EZ PERMIT STANDARD FOR INTERIOR DATED FEBRUARY 2007. ANY DEVIATIONS FROM THIS STANDARD WILL RESULT IN THE REVOCATION OF THIS PERMIT AND THE IMPOSITION OF FURTHER PENALTIES.

  7. ViolationHIGH WEEDS-CUT

    Case 250944 · Violation 1814051 · Code CP-312A · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  8. ViolationLICENSE - RENTAL PROPERTY

    Case 250944 · Violation 1814052 · Code CP-101 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  9. ViolationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE

    Case 250944 · Violation 1814050 · Code CP-01 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  10. ViolationCOMPL CONCEAL- PLUMB PERM WORK

    Case 218233 · Violation 1602224 · Code A-402.1/4 · CLOSEDCASE

    City marked the case closed; that does not mean the original condition never existed.

  11. InvestigationBP_BLDG

    Case 221826 · PASSED

    The cited inspection visit was marked passed.

  12. ViolationPERMB- WK DONE W/O NOTIFY INSP

    Case 221826 · Violation 1537421 · Code A-302.11/1 · COMPEXCP

  13. ViolationPERMB- WK DONE W/O NOTIFY INSP

    Case 213099 · Violation 1537419 · Code A-302.11/1 · ERROR

  14. InvestigationBP_BLDG

    Case 221826 · FAILED

    The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.

  15. PermitPlumbing

    Permit 222279 · EXPIRED

    REPLACE LAUNDRY TUB AND BATHROOM TUB

  16. ViolationBLDG MATERIAL EXTERIOR-OWNER

    Case 199837 · Violation 1348025 · Code CP-305A · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  17. ViolationRUBBISH/GARBAGE EXTERIOR-OWNER

    Case 199837 · Violation 1348026 · Code CP-305 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  18. PermitPlumbing

    Permit 218233 · COMPLETED

    REPLACE 2 WATER CLOSETS, 1 BATHTUB, 2 LAV'S, 1 KITCHEN SINK

  19. PermitPlumbing

    Permit 217646 · EXPIRED

    INSTALLING 2 WATER CLOSETS, 1 TUB, 1 SHOWER, 2 LAV'S, 1 KITCHEN SINK, BOTH DRAIN AND DISTRIBUTION LINES

  20. ViolationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE

    Case 199837 · Violation 1348021 · Code CP-01 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  21. ViolationVACANT BLDG - VOTA

    Case 199837 · Violation 1348024 · Code PM-306.2/90 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  22. ViolationVACANT BLDG KEEP CLEAN GET LIC

    Case 199837 · Violation 1348023 · Code PM-306.0/90 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  23. ViolationHIGH WEEDS-CUT

    Case 199837 · Violation 1348022 · Code CP-312A · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  24. PermitElectrical

    Permit 214670 · COMPLETED

    TOTAL RE WIRE OF SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING AS PER 2005 NEC (EAST DISTRICT)

  25. PermitMajor alteration

    Permit 213099 · COMPLETED

    INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF SHEETROCK THROUGHOUT TO INSULATE. APPLICANT AGREES TO LIMIT THE CONSTRUCTION TO COMPLY WITH EZ PERMIT STANDARD FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS, DATED FEBRUARY 2007. DEVIATION FROM THE STANDARD WILL RESULT IN REVOCATION OF THIS PERMIT AND IMPOSITION OF FURTHER PENALTIES.

  26. InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)

    Case 117224 · PASSED

    A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. The cited inspection visit was marked passed.

  27. ViolationCLIP VIOLATION NOTICE

    Case 117224 · Violation 600993 · Code CP-01 · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  28. InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)

    Case 117224 · FAILED

    A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.

  29. ViolationHIGH WEEDS-CUT

    Case 117224 · Violation 600994 · Code CP-312A · COMPLIED

    City marked this violation complied with; check the resolution date and live case for what was accepted.

  30. LicenseRental

    License 353170 · Inactive

    NATANOV NATHAN NATANOV DANIEL & RUBINOV SIMONTOV · Expires 2010-02-28 · Inactive 2012-12-22

  31. InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)

    Case 72247 · CLOSED

    A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. City marked the record closed; open the case for the closing reason.

  32. InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)

    Case 72247 · FAILED

    A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.

  33. InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)

    Case 65053 · CLOSED

    A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. City marked the record closed; open the case for the closing reason.

  34. InvestigationHCEU INSP (Housing Code Enforcement Unit inspection)

    Case 65053 · FAILED

    A legacy L&I inspection label. The unit inspected housing for property-maintenance, fire-prevention, and related code compliance; the separate status says how that visit ended. The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.

  35. InvestigationL_CLIP

    Case 43051 · CLOSED

    City marked the record closed; open the case for the closing reason.

  36. InvestigationL_CLIP

    Case 43051 · FAILED

    The cited inspection visit was marked failed; later rows may show follow-up or resolution.

What this record suggests

The City file documents 9 permits touching kitchen work, bathroom work, electrical work, plumbing. 7 carries a completed, issued, or approved status; that documents the filing, not the present quality of the work.

Informational only — not investment advice or a consumer report (FCRA).

The property, on paper

The city assessor's field record — the physical spec sheet behind the assessed number.

Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
1
Stories
2
Interior
960 sqft
livable area
Lot
1,735 sqft
Heat
Forced hot air
city code A
Exterior condition
Average
city code 4
Interior condition
Average
city code 4
Quality grade
C+
assessor's grade
Zoning
RSA5
city zoning code

OPA field-assessment attributes. Condition and grade are the assessor's codes, not an inspection.

Run the numbers

What owning 1638 Howell St takes, at your price and your rate. Taxes start with an annual estimate from the City’s taxable assessment, not a current bill or balance; rent starts at the area median. Assessed value is not an asking price — set the price slider to the real one.

$188K
20%
6.875%
$1K/mo

When this house last sold (2012) a 30-year mortgage ran about 3.66% — Freddie Mac's average that year.

Mortgage
P&I · 30-yr fixed
All-in monthly
+ taxes & insurance
Estimated cash needed
down + 4% planning allowance
Modeled cash flow
rent − shown costs · /mo
Modeled cap rate
modeled NOI ÷ price
Modeled cash-on-cash
modeled year-1 return

Scenario for orientation, not advice. Assumes a 30-year fixed loan, $1,400/yr insurance, 1% of price/yr maintenance, and buyer cash equal to the down payment plus 4%. Taxes use this parcel's taxable assessment, not a live Tax Center balance. Cash flow and returns exclude vacancy, management, utilities, HOA or condo fees, leasing costs, income tax, and unplanned capital work.

Block context

1638 Howell St sits on the 1600 block of Howell St. Open the block report to compare its parcels, ownership and public-record history.

See the whole block →

Next door: 1636 Howell St  ·  1640 Howell St

Where this comes from

Methodology & freshness

This report was assembled Jul 11, 2026, 4:03 AM ET. Available City datasets are queried from OpenDataPhilly (phl.carto.com) and the cited City ArcGIS feeds; record queries paginate rather than silently taking a first page. For this property: Permits: queried · Violations: queried · Investigations: queried · Appeals: queried · Licenses: queried · Building certifications: queried. “Unavailable” means the source query failed or was not supplied, not “no record.” Reports re-pull on view after seven days and on an overnight rolling schedule; citywide benchmarks recompute weekly. Source dates still govern: the parcel-level tax-delinquency snapshot is June 2022 and the separate detailed tax ledger ends in 2016, so neither establishes today’s balance. The live balance and date-effective payoff must be verified in Tax Center. AI-written passages are grounded in the assembled record and rejected if they state a number the record does not hold.

Official city record ↗  ·  L&I history ↗  ·  See the whole block  ·  Download this record (JSON)