Comprehensive short-term rental guides for 16 markets in Pennsylvania.
4 markets
Pennsylvania
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.
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.
Short-term rentals in Bethlehem are strictly regulated under Article 1741 and are primarily limited to owner-occupied residences renting a maximum of two bedrooms.
Short-term rentals (Transient Dwelling Use) in Pocono Township are only permitted in Commercial and Recreation zoning districts and require an annual license and safety inspection.
3 markets
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.
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.
Philadelphia strictly regulates short-term rentals under 'Limited Lodging' rules, which require the home to be the host's primary residence. Hosts must obtain a Limited Lodging Operator License, a Commercial Activity License, and comply with lead safety certification for older homes.
7 markets
Bensalem regulates short-term rentals under its general residential rental licensing program, requiring annual inspections and compliance with Bucks County and state tax mandates.
Easton requires short-term rentals to obtain an annual license, pass a yearly inspection, and maintain a 500-foot buffer from other STR properties.
Short-term rentals in the City of Erie require both a Zoning Certificate and an annual Short-Term Rental License, with mandatory safety inspections and insurance coverage.
Short-term rentals in King of Prussia are regulated by Upper Merion Township, requiring an annual permit, a 10% total tax, and mandatory life safety inspections.
Short-term rentals in Villanova must comply with township-level rental licensing requirements and restrictive zoning definitions that often limit occupancy to families or one unrelated person.
Lewisburg requires all short-term rentals to obtain a zoning permit and an annual or biennial license based on owner-occupancy status.
Allentown requires short-term rental operators to obtain an annual Residential Rental License, undergo regular safety inspections, and maintain a local responsible agent.
2 markets
Reading requires a Short-Term Rental License, a Zoning Permit, and a Business Privilege License for all short-term rental operations.
Short-term rentals in Pittsburgh are currently in a state of regulatory uncertainty. While the city passed a comprehensive licensing ordinance in 2021, the PA Commonwealth Court stayed its enforcement in 2023, meaning there is currently no active city permit to apply for, though tax obligations still apply.