Reading's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Reading, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

Reading requires owners of every residential and mixed-use rental parcel to hold a housing registration issued by the Property Maintenance Division, renewed each year by April 1. Single-family owner-occupied properties are excluded but must confirm owner occupancy. Registration ties to a zoning permit, a business privilege license number, and proof the owner has enrolled the property in the city's trash and recycling programs.

Key details: Renewal deadline: April 1 every year. Registration window: 30 days after ownership/use change. Owner-occupied exemption: Single-family, owner-occupied only. Remote-owner rule: Local agent required beyond 25 miles. Enforcing agency: Property Maintenance Division.

Failing to register is unlawful under Section 308-112.A. The city imposes a noncompliance surcharge on top of the application fee and serves written notice by mail, email or posted placard giving the owner 15 days to register; missing that window triggers a continuing surcharge and possible in personam collection action. The Property Maintenance Division may also placard and condemn an unregistered rental under Section 308-105.C, and Section 308-115.C authorizes prosecution as a strict-liability summary offense under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Repairs & Habitability

Reading's Property Maintenance Code requires every landlord to supply heat maintaining at least 68°F in all habitable rooms from October 1 through May 30, one of the minimum habitability standards enforced against rental housing citywide.

Key details: Minimum heat standard: 68°F in habitable rooms. Heating season: Oct. 1 - May 30. Enforced by: Property Maintenance Division. First violation fine: $75-$500. Repeat violation fine: $150-$1,000.

Failing to supply required heat to a rental unit is a summary offense: $75-$500 for the first two violations, $150-$1,000 for the third and beyond, plus a $50 mitigation penalty and up to 90 days in jail for nonpayment (§ 106.4).

The Bottom Line

Reading'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 Reading is broadly strict or permissive.

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