Rental Inspections in Allentown, PA

If you live in Allentown or are thinking about moving there, rental inspections are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Allentown has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental inspections, and some of them might surprise you.

Tenant Complaint Process

A tenant complaint lets Allentown's code official reinspect a rental unit outside the normal five-year cycle whenever there's probable cause a violation exists. Section 455-10 also protects the tenant who reports it: landlords can't retaliate or evict someone for filing a City code complaint against a residential rental unit.

Key details: Trigger: Complaint of violation or officer probable cause. Governing section: § 455-7.E, Reinspection. Notice: At least 30 days, unless mutually waived. Tenant right: May report violations to City officials. Anti-retaliation: No retaliatory eviction, § 455-10.

If a complaint-driven reinspection finds the property still out of compliance, the owner faces the same correction and revocation path as any other violation: 30 calendar days to fix the defect, and revocation of the residential rental license if a unit judged unfit for human habitation isn't corrected within 10 calendar days of notice under § 455-7.D. A landlord who retaliates against a complaining tenant violates § 455-10 directly.

Inspection Programs

Every Allentown rental unit must pass a Bureau of Building Standards and Safety inspection before its residential rental license issues, then face a routine reinspection at least once every five years. Inspectors check compliance with City housing, zoning and property maintenance standards, and owners get 30 days to fix any deficiency the inspector documents in writing.

Key details: Initial inspection: Required before license issues, § 455-7.A. Deficiency notice: Mailed within 10 business days. Correction window: 30 calendar days per inspection. Routine reinspection cycle: At most once every 5 years. Unfit units: Ordered vacated immediately, § 455-7.D.

Renting without a valid license because a unit never passed inspection is a summary offense under § 455-15.A, punishable by up to $1,000 per unit for each month the unit stays unregistered. No-show fees under § 455-14.D run $100 per unit for the first three units and $25 per additional unit; a license revoked for uncorrected violations carries a $100 reinstatement fee under § 455-14.E.

The Bottom Line

Allentown's rental inspections rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Allentown is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Allentown's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.