What are the key requirements for Scranton hosts?

Primary residency is strictly enforced; properties must be the owner's permanent address.

What should Scranton hosts know about off-street parking is mandatory at?

Off-street parking is mandatory at 1 space per guest bedroom.

What are the key requirements for Scranton hosts?

Rental licenses must be renewed every year by March 15.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Scranton?

Non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited in many residential zones following the 2019 PA Supreme Court 'Slice of Life' ruling.

Scranton

Strict

STRs Allowed

PennsylvaniaLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Scranton requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual rental license, satisfy primary residency requirements, and provide one off-street parking space per guest bedroom.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 58 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•Low permit fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Scranton, the property must be your primary residence where you live for at least six months of the year. You must register for an annual rental license by March 15, pass a safety inspection, and ensure you have dedicated off-street parking for every bedroom you rent out.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$45

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Scranton: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Scranton limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Scranton requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Must be the owner's permanent address and occupied by the owner for at least 6 months per year.

Requirements(15)

•Scranton STR warning: Rental licenses must be renewed every year by March 15.
•Scranton: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Scranton: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(8)

•How to set up an STR in Scranton: To host a short-term rental in Scranton, the property must be your primary residence where you live for at least six months of the year. You must register for an annual rental license by March 15, pass a safety inspection, and ensure you have dedicated off-street parking for every bedroom you rent out.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Scranton charges a registration fee of $45 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Flat fee for properties with 4-9 units; $250 for 10-19 units.).

Taxes(1)

•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Scranton occupancy calculation: 2 adults per bedroom; max 10 total guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Scranton: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Scranton limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 adults per bedroom; max 10 total guests
•Scranton enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Scranton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, One off-street parking space per bedroom, Safety inspection every three years, Working plumbing and heating.

Penalties(3)

•Scranton: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Scranton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Violation citation and fines. Second offense: Suspension of rental license. Third offense: Permit revocation and potential imprisonment. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Scranton: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Scranton exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Immediate family-occupied units (exempt from fees, not license).

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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.

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania

Strict

Harrisburg requires a mandatory Short-Term Rental License, enforces strict zoning based on owner-occupancy, and levies a 6% city occupancy tax in addition to state and county taxes.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.2% total tax

Hershey

Pennsylvania

Prohibited

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hershey are regulated by Derry Township and are only permitted in specific commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, with residential zones strictly prohibited.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Bensalem

Pennsylvania

Moderate

Bensalem regulates short-term rentals under its general residential rental licensing program, requiring annual inspections and compliance with Bucks County and state tax mandates.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

State College

Pennsylvania

Prohibited

State College requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license and a separate CRCA safety permit. Properties must be the host's primary residence (8+ months/year) and are capped at 120 rental nights per year.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Scranton

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(7)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Scranton

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What are the residency requirements for Scranton hosts?

3What is the TOT tax rate in Scranton?

4Are there parking requirements for rentals in Scranton?

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Harrisburg

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