Rental Property Rules in Pottstown, PA

If you live in Pottstown 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. Pottstown has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Repairs & Habitability

Pottstown requires every licensed residential rental unit to pass a biennial inspection under Chapter 11, § 206, and to meet minimum room-size standards before that license issues. A habitable room must be at least 120 square feet, other habitable spaces at least 70 square feet, and a basement cannot count as habitable space unless it has a proper secondary means of egress.

Key details: Inspection cycle: Every 24 months. Min. habitable room: 120 sq ft. Min. other habitable space: 70 sq ft. Bedroom formula: 70 sq ft + 50 per extra occupant. Basement rule: Not habitable without proper egress.

Failing to schedule or cooperate with the mandatory biennial inspection can result in suspension or revocation of the residential rental license under Chapter 11, § 206. A unit that does not meet the room-size or basement-egress standards is denied a license until brought into compliance, and the Licensing and Inspections Department may pursue further code-enforcement penalties for units rented without a valid license.

Compared to other cities, Pottstown takes a harder line on repairs & habitability. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Rental Registration

Every owner of residential rental property in Pottstown must register it with the Department of Licensing and Inspections, a requirement Section 701 of Chapter 5, Part 7 first imposed with a June 30, 2003 deadline for existing rentals. Newly created rental units must register before any tenant moves in, and Borough Council sets the registration fee by resolution rather than in the code itself.

Key details: Original registration deadline: June 30, 2003 for existing rentals. New units: Must register before occupancy. No-fee window: Registered before Feb. 28, 2003. Re-registration trigger: Change in number of rental units. First-offense penalty: Up to $1,000 or 90 days.

Failing to register a rental property, or failing to re-register after the unit count changes, is enforced under Section 809's penalty scheme for this Part: a first offense carries a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, and continued violation after conviction supports further prosecution without a new notice of violation. The Borough can also pursue civil or equitable remedies in Commonwealth court to enforce registration.

The Bottom Line

Pottstown'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 Pottstown is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pottstown can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.