Airbnb Laws and Regulations Poconos, PA 

For this analysis, we are focused on Tobyhanna, East Stroudsburg, and Lake Harmony areas as they are the biggest short-term (Airbnb) rental markets.

How does Poconos, PA define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• Any residential dwelling designed to serve as living quarters or a residence for not more than one family. 
• A public transient lodging option where guests stay for thirty days or less and meets the standards of a “hotel” for tax purposes. 

Please note that in the following context “vacation rental” and “short-term rental” are exchangeable. 

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Poconos, PA?

Yes, investors can own multiple vacation rental properties in the Poconos region, including Tobyhanna, East Stroudsburg, and Lake Harmony, as long as they obtain an Airbnb Rental (STR) permit for each property.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

Does the Poconos, PA market have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes. Most neighborhoods in cities like Tobyhanna, East Stroudsburg, and Lake Harmony are zoned for Short-Term Rentals (STRs). However, it is crucial to check with each community individually as new STR ordinances may have been recently passed or are awaiting a vote. IT’s also important to note that Kidder Township, home to Lake Harmony, generally features friendlier zoning for STRs compared to Tobyhanna Township and East Stroudsburg.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

In Poconos, PA can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

In Poconos, PA, investors are allowed to own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity, such as an LLC or corporation. The only stipulations are that the investor obtains the proper licenses and appoints a responsible party. 

Source: Short Term Rental Ordinance Monroe County

In Poconos, PA can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes as vacation rentals in Tobyhanna, East Stroudsburg, and Lake Harmony, within the Poconos, PA, as long as they meet the proper zoning requirements and obtain the necessary permits from the neighborhood or local authorities. However, it is important to ensure compliance with specific regulations and obtain any required permissions before registering such properties as vacation rentals.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

What is Poconos, PA requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

The requirements for obtaining a Vacation Rental License in the specified cities within the Poconos, PA area are as follows. And please note that these are specific for East Stroudsburg Borough to provide an example, so the process may vary a bit for Lake Harmony and Tobyhanna. 

In East Stroudsburg Borough:

• Submit an application containing owner information, including name, address, telephone number, and email address.
• Designate a manager if the owner is not a full-time resident within a twenty-mile radius of the borough or does not have a primary physical work address in the area.
• Provide floor plans of the vacation rental, including total habitable floor space and the number of bedrooms.
• Specify the number of dwelling units in the multi-dwelling structure and the number of units being used as Airbnb rentals.
• Include a site plan showing parking spaces and, if applicable, details of the sewage disposal system.
• Submit copies of current Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate and Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License.
• Obtain signatures from both the owner and the manager.
• Sign a trespass waiver allowing access for inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Housing Inspector.
• Provide a copy of the current recorded deed for the property.
• Show evidence of no delinquent Borough water, sewer, and solid waste collection fees for properties owned by the owner in the Borough.
• Present a contract with a private solid waste hauler for waste removal from the vacation rental premises.
• Show evidence of no delinquent Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax or Pennsylvania sales/use taxes.
• Maintain a certificate of insurance with at least $500,000.00 in general liability coverage for the duration of the Short-Term (Airbnb) Rental License.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Poconos, PA?

The costs associated with obtaining a Vacation Rental License in Poconos, PA can vary depending on the specific municipality or township where the property is located. The costs may include:

• License application fee: There may be an initial fee required to submit the application for a Vacation Rental License.
• Annual renewal fee: A recurring fee is often charged for the annual renewal of the Vacation Rental License.
• Inspection fees: Some municipalities may require inspections of the property to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations. These inspections may come with associated fees.
• Tax obligations: As a vacation rental owner, you may be responsible for paying certain taxes such as local hotel room excise taxes or sales and use taxes. These taxes can vary, and the associated costs will depend on the specific tax rates and regulations in your area.
• Additional fees: There may be additional fees or requirements specific to the municipality or township, such as permit fees, processing fees, or fees for certain services related to the Vacation Rental License.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

Does Poconos, PA have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

In East Stroudsburg, the market has a vacation rental occupancy limit of one family per unit. However, in other places such as Tobyhanna and Lake Harmony, the occupancy limit is typically based on the size of the unit. It is advisable to consult the specific regulations and guidelines of each location to determine the exact occupancy limits for vacation rentals in those areas.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

Does Poconos, PA require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Yes, Poconos, PA (including Lake Harmony, Tobyhanna, and East Stroudsburg) require inspections for investors to obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) license. These inspections are typically conducted to ensure that the vacation rental property meets the necessary physical and structural requirements, including compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, safety standards, and other relevant guidelines. 

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

Does Poconos, PA have any responsible agent requirements?

Yes, Poconos, PA (including Lake Harmony, East Stroudsburg, and Tobyhanna) does have responsible agent requirements for vacation rentals. These requirements typically involve designating a responsible person or agent who can act on behalf of the owner in various situations. For instance, in Tobyhanna, this person is referred to as the “Person in Charge” and is responsible for addressing both emergency and non-emergency matters on behalf of the owner. 

Source: Tobyhanna Short Term Rental Ordinance

Does Poconos, PA have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Yes, the state of Pennsylvania, including the Poconos region, requires vacation rental owners to have a Certificate of Insurance demonstrating a minimum of $500,000.00 in general liability insurance. This insurance coverage must be provided by an insurance company licensed to operate in Pennsylvania. The insurance policy must be maintained by the owner throughout the entire period in which the Short-Term (Airbnb) License is in effect.

Source: Short Term Rental Ordinance Monroe County

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Poconos, PA Vacation Rental license?

A Poconos, PA Vacation Rental license, also known as a Short-Term Rental License, is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal is also required when any conditions governed by the Short-Term Rental regulations are changed.

Source: Monroe County PA Rental Ordinance

In Poconos, PA, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Poconos, PA?

In Poconos, PA, specifically in Monroe County (including Lake Harmony, Tobyhanna, and East Stroudsburg), Airbnb and VRBO do not typically remit taxes on behalf of hosts. Hosts are responsible for tracking and collecting taxes directly from guests. For reservations 30 nights or shorter, guests are subject to the Monroe County Hotel Excise Tax, which amounts to 3% of the listing price, including cleaning fees. 

Source: Airbnb.com

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Poconos, PA Vacation Rentals?

Tobyhanna: (570) 646-1212

East Stroudsburg: (570) 421-8300

Lake Harmony (Kidder Township): sbrooks@kiddertownship.org & (570) 722-0107

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

No, at the time of writing this information, Get Chalet did not find any new regulations or laws that pertain to the Poconos, PA region.