At a Glance
Pennsylvania (PA) Short-Term Rental Regulations
State Overview
Pennsylvania has no state-level STR preemption law. Each city sets its own licensing, zoning, and tax requirements. Philadelphia is the only covered city, with a restrictive three-license framework. Other Pennsylvania STR markets (Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster) may be added in future updates.
City Comparison | 1 City
| City | Status | License Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 3-License Stack, Zone-Restricted | ~$300-500/yr (Limited Lodging) |
Regulatory Risk Ranking
From most restrictive to most investor-friendly within Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia: 🔴 High barrier: 3-license stack (CAL + Zoning + Operator License). Visitor Accommodation heavily zone-restricted. Limited Lodging requires primary residence with max 3 unrelated occupants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania have state-wide STR laws?
Pennsylvania regulates short-term rentals primarily at the city level. There is no comprehensive state-wide STR law. Philadelphia requires a three-license stack (CAL + Zoning Permit + Operator License) with strict primary residence rules for Limited Lodging.
Which Pennsylvania city is best for STR investment?
With Philadelphia as the covered city, owner-occupants can pursue Limited Lodging with manageable fees (~$300-500/yr). Non-owner-occupied Visitor Accommodation is heavily zone-restricted (CMX-3/4/5, CA-1/2, RMX-1/2 only). Philadelphia is primarily a Limited Lodging market.
Disclaimer
RentPermitted: Short-term rental regulations, made clear. Not affiliated with any government agency.