What should Bensalem hosts know about bensalem does not have an?

Bensalem does not have an STR-specific code; you are regulated under general rental laws which require a new inspection for every 'change of occupancy' for long-term rentals, though STRs usually default to an annual cycle.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Bensalem?

Pennsylvania Supreme Court (Slice of Life) ruling means STRs are not a permitted use in residential zones unless specifically mentioned in the zoning code; Bensalem's code is silent, making operations in R-1/R-2 risky.

What are the key requirements for Bensalem hosts?

You must file quarterly tax reports with Bucks County even if Airbnb collects the tax for you.

Bensalem, PA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing Guide

Summary

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

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 11 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $155
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Bensalem, you must treat the property as a standard rental unit by obtaining a township inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy. You are also required to register with the Bucks County Treasurer's Office for hotel taxes and the state for sales tax. Because Bensalem lacks a specific STR ordinance, hosts should be aware that purely commercial rentals in residential zones are legally precarious under Pennsylvania state case law.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$155

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Bensalem does not have an STR-specific code; you are regulated under general rental laws which require a new inspection for every 'change of occupancy' for long-term rentals, though STRs usually default to an annual cycle.
2.Pennsylvania Supreme Court (Slice of Life) ruling means STRs are not a permitted use in residential zones unless specifically mentioned in the zoning code; Bensalem's code is silent, making operations in R-1/R-2 risky.
3.You must file quarterly tax reports with Bucks County even if Airbnb collects the tax for you.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Bensalem: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Bensalem allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Multi-Family.
•Bensalem: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Bensalem does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Bensalem: 1. Bensalem does not have an STR-specific code; you are regulated under general rental laws which require a new inspection for every 'change of occupancy' for long-term rentals, though STRs usually default to an annual cycle. 2. Pennsylvania Supreme Court (Slice of Life) ruling means STRs are not a permitted use in residential zones unless specifically mentioned in the zoning code; Bensalem's code is silent, making operations in R-1/R-2 risky. 3. You must file quarterly tax reports with Bucks County even if Airbnb collects the tax for you.

Application Process(8)

•Bensalem extended permit requirement: Includes $100 inspection fee and $55 Certificate of Occupancy fee.
•Bensalem STR permit - Step 3: Submit Bensalem Rental Application. Apply for a Rental License and Certificate of Occupancy from the Building and Planning Department. Required documents: Rental Application Form, Proof of Insurance, County Tax Certificate. Time: 2 weeks. Cost: 155.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Bensalem charges a registration fee of $155 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Bucks charges a Hotel Lodging Tax of 0.05%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.
•Bensalem: You must file quarterly tax reports with Bucks County even if Airbnb collects the tax for you.
•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Bensalem limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2
•Bensalem limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Bensalem enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Bensalem occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bensalem requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Safe electrical outlets, Proper egress windows, Lead-safe certification (if built before 1978).

Penalties(3)

•Bensalem enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1,000 fine. Third offense: Legal action/Closure. Daily fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Bucks enforces penalties: First offense: 1.5% interest per month on unpaid taxes.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Bensalem

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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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Bensalem

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 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 Bensalem?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bensalem?

3Are there specific STR ordinances in Bensalem?

4What are the inspection requirements for Bensalem rentals?

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