New Airbnb Laws in Pennsylvania—Regulations to Keep in Mind When Renting in the Keystone State

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Airbnb Laws

New Airbnb Laws Require STR Registration 

New Airbnb Laws now require property owners in Bethlehem to register their homes with the local government before they’re eligible to list them on booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Under the new law, hosts are also required to undergo an annual home inspection and keep detailed records of rental periods.

The ordinance includes limitations on rental durations (not more than 30 days) as well as the number of dwelling units that can be rented out (no more than 2 bedrooms).

Chesnut Township, Pennsylvania Vacation Rental Rules

New Laws and Regulations for Short-term Rentals

Chestnut Township has implemented laws and regulations for Short-term Rentals (STRs) to keep the peace in the community. The permitting process includes zoning fees, permitting and more. To stay up to date with current information, please view their website and view Ordinance No. 2019-02 for the extensive list of regulations. 

The current regulations are in place: 

• Zoning: STRs are only permitted within the General Commercial (GC) zoning district. There are also fees involved which are due at the time of the STR application. 
• STR License: Must obtain a STR license. 
• Conditional Use Permit: Hosts must apply for a conditional use permit. 
• Parking: Adequate off-street parking must be available. 
• PA Uniform Construction Code: All rentals must comply with PA Uniform Construction Code requirements. 
• Point of Contact: Must provide a name, address and 24-hour phone number to be contacted in case of emergency. 

Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania Airbnb Regulations

  An Ordinance Has Been Adopted

In the county of Monroe, the Coolbaugh Township has adopted an ordinance for short-term rentals. Existing STRs are grandfathered in but must obtain a permit issued by the city to continue to operate.  

The Township of Coolbaugh outlines their short-term rental requirements, including zoning information, fee information, and more. Apply for a permit or find more information on the ordinance by visiting the Coolbaugh Township website.

The new ordinance requires:  

• Permit: Must obtain a permit from the county. All short-term rental licenses must be renewed annually and must be inspected at the time of renewal before the license is issued. 
• Guest limit: Maximum occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional people. For example, a three-bedroom would have a maximum occupancy of eight people.  
• Parking: The host must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, up to six spaces. Parking cannot be on grass.  
• Trash: Must be disposed of properly in appropriate receptacles and cannot be left out on the exterior of the property except from 6 p.m. the day before trash pickup to 6 p.m. the day of trash pickup. 
• Emergency Contacts: An emergency list must be available and viewable from the outside.
• STR Cap: Only a certain number of STRs will be given permits per zoning district.  
• Gatherings: No parties, events, weddings, or outdoor gatherings for more than the maximum number of guests allowed at the property.  
• Fines: Any violations that may occur, such as disturbing the neighbors or lacking a permit, could be fined. 
• Insurance: Must have specialized STR insurance and hold $500,000 in general liability. Proper Insurance leads the nation is short-term rental insurance, built to replace inadequate Homeowners (HO) and Dwelling/Landlord (DP) policies completely.

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania STR Regulations

Requires Permits and Regulations to Be Followed

In the county of Monroe, the town of East Stroudsburg has decided to implement a permit that is required for hosts to operate a short-term rental (STR). Violations could cost up to $1,000 and may result in getting their permit revoked. As ordinances can change and be very detailed, it is important to view The Short-Term Rentals Ordinance 1379 and stay up to date. 

The following regulations are in place: 

• Zoning: Must follow zoning regulations. 
• License: Must obtain a license for each STR property. 
• Noise: Must keep noise to a minimum to keep the peace of the neighborhood. 
• Inspections: Subject to annual inspections by the Code Enforcement Officer and the Rental Housing Inspector. 
• Insurance: Owner must provide proof of insurance showing that they have $500,000 in general liability.   
• To obtain a STR permit, you must provide the following:  
  • Proof of ownership 
  • Building type 
  • Copy of tax certificate 
  • Floor plan 
  • Parking plan 
  • Point of contact who can be reached 24/7 
  • Solid waste strategy 

Paupack Township, Pennsylvania Airbnb Rules

Strict Application Process to Operate a STR

Paupack Township has decided to implement an ordinance called the Model Lake Region Ordinance. Occupants and hosts may be fined if any violations occur. Hosts may also be subject to criminal prosecution and the revocation of their licenses.  

The following and more are required to obtain and keep a permit: 

• Floor Plan: Must provide a sketch of the habitable floor space, bedrooms and show the maximum number of guests allowed to sleep in each bedroom. 
• Site Plan: A diagram of the property showing all structures, buildings, roads, driveways, bodies of water, and parking spaces as well as the septic system. 
• Taxes: Must provide proof of sales tax paid. 
• Safety: Smoke detectors in designated areas, GFI outlet if located within six feet of a water source, metal exhaust from the dryer, carbon monoxide if there is an open flame or attached garage, fire extinguisher in the kitchen, stairs in good condition, covers on all outlets, and anything else that may be added. 
• Noise: Keep noise to a minimum. 
• Trash: Keep trash maintained in appropriate bins. 
• Insurance: Copy of insurance declaration page showing that Paupack Township is additionally insured with $1 million/ $3 million in liability. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Laws

Understanding Philadelphia’s Short-Term Rental Rules 

Short-term rentals in Philadelphia are regulated under Philadelphia Code Title 14-604(13) and related provisions, with guidance from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. These rules govern licensing, zoning, safety, and operating standards for rentals offered on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. 

• Definition of Short-Term Rental in Philly: A short-term rental is defined as lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators must secure proper zoning permits and licenses before listing a property. 
• Zoning and Property Eligibility: STRs fall into two categories: Limited Lodging (host’s primary residence) and Visitor Accommodation (non-primary residence). Visitor Accommodation is only allowed in certain commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, such as CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, CA-1, CA-2, RMX-1, and RMX-2. In most districts, renters may qualify for Limited Lodging licenses. However, in the 10th Councilmanic District, the host must own the property to be eligible.If a zoning permit is denied, hosts have 30 days to appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). Expedited appeals are available for an additional fee. 
•  
• Licensing: After obtaining a zoning permit, hosts must apply for either a Limited Lodging Operator License (for primary residences) or a Rental License (for non-primary residences). To obtain a license, all hosts need a Commercial Activity License (CAL), a tax-compliant Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) account, and a Lead Safety Certification for properties built before March 1978. Applications are processed through the City’s eCLIPSE portal. 
• Taxes: The City of Philadelphia imposes a Hotel Tax of 8.5% on the total amount paid by the guest. In addition, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania imposes a 7% Hotel Tax, bringing the combined rate to 15.5%. Taxes for STRs in Philadelphia are due on the 15^th of each month under the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s guidance. For details, visit the Philadelphia Tax Services page. 
• Occupancy Limits: No more than three unrelated people in the home at one time.  
• Operating Standards: Hosts must provide trash and recycling containers and inform guests of collection days. Guests may only have visitors between 8:00 a.m. and midnight, and excessive noise is prohibited.  
• Safety: Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, in hallways near bedrooms, and on each floor. Carbon monoxide alarms should be located within 15 ft. of bedrooms. Non-compliant listings risk removal from platforms. 
• Fines & Penalties: Non-compliant listings risk removal from platforms and may face fines.  
• Recordkeeping: Hosts must keep records for at least one year showing primary residence status, rental dates, and the number of renters.  
• More Information: For details or to begin registration, visit the City of Philadelphia Short-Term Rental Services page. 

Township of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania

Requires Permits and Regulations to Be Followed

In the county of Monroe, instead of banning short-term rentals (STR’s) the Township of Tobyhanna has decided to implement additional regulations which include a lengthy permitting process. To view the full guidelines, visit code 6-28-2022 by Ord. No. 569. For updates from the Township of Tobyhanna View updates from the Township of Tobyhanna. 

To obtain the permit, the following must be done/provided:

• Inspection: The property but be inspected and comply with safety, building and zoning codes.  
• Point of Contact: The host must designate a person who can be reached for emergencies 24/7. 
• Floor Plan: Identify on each floor where the rooms are located and label pools as either in-ground or above-ground.
• Parking: Aerial photo explaining on-site parking. 
• Taxes: Compliant with Monroe County hotel room taxes. 
• Insurance: Must have specialized STR insurance and hold $500,000 in general liability. The Proper Insurance policy meets and exceeds these requirements with the most comprehensive policy on the market for short-term rental owners. The Proper policy completely replaces a Homeowners or Landlord policy with a unique Commercial Homeowners policy that protects hosts property, general liability and revenue customized to address risks of short-term renting with coverage for bed bugs/fleas, squatters, and guest theft/damage.
• In addition, the home needs to obtain the following:  
  • Working smoke detectors throughout the house 
  • GFI outlets if closer than six feet to a water source 
  • Carbon monoxide detector if the home has an open flame from a stove, fire, or other 
  • Carbon monoxide detector if the home has an attached garage 
  • Fire extinguisher in the kitchen 
  • Stairs must be in good condition 
  • All windows must work 
  • Fireplaces need to be cleaned every two years