Rental Property Rules in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
5 verified rental property rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
The City of Bethlehem has no rent-control ordinance. Residential rent is governed by the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. §250.101 et seq.), which sets no cap on rent amounts or rent increases for third-class cities like Bethlehem.
Bethlehem Rent Control: None — PA Statute Governs
Few RestrictionsJust Cause Eviction
Bethlehem has no local just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions are governed by Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act (68 P.S. §250.501), which allows termination at lease end or for breach with proper written notice. Filings go to the Lehigh or Northampton County Magisterial District Court.
Bethlehem Just-Cause Eviction: Governed by PA Statute
Few RestrictionsRental Registration
The City of Bethlehem operates a Rental Registration Program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development / Housing Inspections. Owners of residential rental units must register each unit, identify a local agent, pay the annual fee, and submit to periodic property-maintenance inspection.
Bethlehem Rental Registration Program
Some RestrictionsRental Inspection Programs
Bethlehem's rental inspection program is run by Housing Inspections in the Department of Community and Economic Development. Inspectors apply the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted by the City to confirm habitable conditions, on a rotation cycle and on tenant complaint.
Bethlehem Rental Inspection Program (IPMC)
Some RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Security deposits in Bethlehem follow Pennsylvania statute. Under 68 P.S. §250.511a a landlord may collect at most two months' rent in the first year. Under §250.511b only one month may be held after year one. Under §250.512 the deposit must be returned with itemization within 30 days of vacancy.
Bethlehem Security Deposits: 2 / 1 Months and 30-Day Return
Some RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bethlehem city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Lehigh County →