What are the key requirements for Allentown hosts?

A local 'Responsible Agent' must be designated if the property owner lives outside Lehigh County.

What should Allentown hosts know about rental licenses expire annually on?

Rental licenses expire annually on December 31, regardless of when they were first issued.

What should Allentown hosts know about property inspections are required at?

Property inspections are required at least once every 5 years or whenever a new license is applied for.

What are the key requirements for Allentown hosts?

The 4% Lehigh County Hotel Tax must be remitted directly to the County Treasurer.

Allentown, PA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing Gui…

Summary

Allentown requires short-term rental operators to obtain an annual Residential Rental License, undergo regular safety inspections, and maintain a local responsible agent.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Allentown, you must register your property as a residential rental unit and obtain a city business license. You are required to pass a safety inspection (usually once every five years or upon initial application) and must appoint a local contact person if you live outside of Lehigh County.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$75

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Allentown: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Allentown does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Allentown allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires owner authorization and rental licensing.
•Allentown: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(14)

•Allentown STR warning: Property inspections are required at least once every 5 years or whenever a new license is applied for.
•Allentown requires STR registration. The permit is called "Residential Rental License". Apply through Bureau of Building Standards and Safety. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(8)

•Allentown STR permit - Step 4: Register for Taxes. Register with the PA Department of Revenue for Sales/Hotel tax and the Lehigh County Treasurer for the 4% Hotel Room Rental Tax. Required documents: Tax Registration Forms. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Allentown charges a registration fee of $75 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $35 (Annual General Business License fee).

Taxes(2)

•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Allentown: The 4% Lehigh County Hotel Tax must be remitted directly to the County Treasurer.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Allentown enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Allentown occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Allentown limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Allentown requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows, Functioning electrical systems, Sanitation standards compliance.

Penalties(2)

•Allentown: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Allentown enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1000 fine. Third offense: License revocation. Daily fine: $100-$500. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Allentown: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Allentown exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels and motels, Institutional dormitories.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Allentown

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Allentown

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Allentown?

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Allentown?

3Are there inspection requirements for Allentown rentals?

4Is a local contact person required for Allentown hosts?

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Hershey

State College