Short-Term Rentals in Allentown, PA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Allentown, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Allentown has no dedicated short-term-rental ordinance; any dwelling or rooming unit rented out, including STRs, must hold an active annual Residential Rental License under Article 1759, with a $75 per-unit fee and an inspection required for the initial license.
Annual Residential Rental License Required ($75/Unit)
Some RestrictionsCity of Allentown, Residential Rental Unit Registration Application, citing Article 1759 (sections 1759.05C, 1759.06D, 1759.99A(4))
The penalty for non-compliance with Article 1759 - Licensing Residential Rental Units - shall be the revocation of the residential rental registration or the residential rental license. 1759.99A(4) Reinstatement fee - the fee to reinstate a revoked Residential Rental Registration or a Residential Rental license shall be one hundred (100) dollars per residential rental unit.
Noise Rules
Allentown STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Hosts responsible for guest behavior. Multiple complaints may trigger permit review.
Allentown STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Allentown collects state and local hotel occupancy taxes on stays under 30 days. PA state rate is 6%. Municipal rates vary (typically 1 to 5% additional).
Allentown STR Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Allentown may require designated parking for STR guests. On-street parking limits set locally. Parking plan may be part of STR permit application.
Allentown STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Allentown sets no STR-specific guest cap, but its 2025 Zoning Ordinance (eff. Jan 1, 2026) caps a Bed and Breakfast Inn at 10 guest rooms with a 14-consecutive-day limit and on-site owner/operator, and limits rooming/boarding rental units to a maximum of 2 adults each (250 sq. ft. minimum, 6 units per lot).
B&B Capped at 10 Rooms; Rooming Units Max 2 Adults
Some RestrictionsCity of Allentown Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 16166), 660-37.I (Lodging / Bed and Breakfast Inn) and 660-54 (Rooming and Boarding)
Bed and Breakfast Inn. A detached house in which a full-time resident and owner/operator offers 2 or more guest rooms for overnight lodging and meal service for compensation. ... [1] Bed & breakfast inns may contain no more than 10 guest rooms. [2] Guest rooms may not be offered for rental for periods of more than 14 consecutive days. [3] The owner/operator of the bed & breakfast inn must occup...
Insurance Requirements
Allentown may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Allentown Short-Term Rental Insurance Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Allentown city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Lehigh County →