Rental Property Rules in Erie, PA

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

Repairs & Habitability

Erie's Rental Housing Ordinance defines 'habitability' and makes it a landlord's legal duty. Article 354 requires working plumbing, sewage, electrical and heating systems, and a home free of structural defects, mold, lead hazards and vermin, throughout the lease, backed by fines up to $1,000 per offense.

Key details: Governing ordinance: Ord. No. 66-2023, passed 10-18-2023. Habitability covers: Plumbing, electrical, heat, structure, mold/vermin. Landlord duty: Maintain habitability for full lease term. Penalty: $100-$1,000 fine per offense. Tenant inspection right: Can request City code inspection.

A landlord who lets a unit fall below the § 354.04 habitability standard, such as broken plumbing, unsafe wiring, inadequate heat, or a mold or vermin infestation, and fails to cure it after a Notice of Violation, violates Article 354. Section 354.99 sets the fine at not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 per offense, on top of any separate tenant remedy in law or equity.

Rental Registration

Erie landlords must obtain a residential rental registration from the Code Official before letting any unit, and a separate rental license after inspection, under Codified Ordinances §§ 330.03 and 330.04, with fees rising the later an owner files.

Key details: Registration required: Codified Ordinances § 330.03. License inspection cycle: Every 2 years (annual for short-term). Base fee (by May 15): $40 standard / $80 short-term. New owner deadline: 60 days after sale/transfer. Unregistered license fine: $1,000/unit per month.

Revoking or failing to renew a residential rental license draws a fine of not less than $1,000 per unit for each month the violation continues, with each month a separate violation, under § 330.99(a). Failing to register or seek a required license triggers a 30-day written notice; if the owner still hasn't complied after 30 days, the fine is also not less than $1,000 per unit per month under § 330.99(b). Any other violation of Article 330 is a summary offense carrying a fine of not more than $1,000 nor less than $100, or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both, under § 330.99(c), and repeated violations of the same provision after conviction expose the owner to further prosecution without a new notice.

Compared to other cities, Erie takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Erie's rental property rules 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 Erie is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Erie's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.