Short-Term Rentals in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
7 verified short-term rentals rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Bethlehem bans short term lodging citywide unless the owner first obtains a Short Term Lodging License for that specific property, and the license cannot be sold, transferred, or carried over when the property is conveyed.
Bethlehem Short Term Lodging License Required
Significant RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 1741.04(A)-(B)
A. Before providing any Short Term Lodging, property owners must obtain and keep current a Short Term Lodging License for each property to be designated as a Short Term Lodging Facility. Such License shall only be issued if the requirements of this Ordinance are met. B. Upon application in such form as may be required by the City Department of Community and Economic Development for a Short Term...
Noise Rules
Bethlehem's Short Term Lodging ordinance bars a licensed rental from generating noise, vibration, glare or odor that unreasonably interferes with a neighbor's enjoyment of the area, and makes the owner personally responsible for keeping the peace disrupted by guests.
Bethlehem STR Noise & Nuisance Standard
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 1741.05(E)
E. The Short Term Lodging Facility shall not adversely affect the residential character of the neighborhood. Short term rental may not generate noise, vibration, glare, odor or other effects that unreasonably interfere with a person's enjoyment of his or her neighborhood.
Taxes & Fees
Bethlehem requires every Short Term Lodging Facility to hold an annual license, pay a yearly license and inspection fee set by the City's Housing Inspection Fee Schedule Resolution, and keep a current Business Privilege Tax License. The license is non-transferable and expires the moment the property changes hands.
Bethlehem STR License Fee & Business Tax
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem §§ 1741.04(B), 1741.05(H)
B. Upon application in such form as may be required by the City Department of Community and Economic Development for a Short Term Lodging License or renewal thereof, each applicant shall pay to the City an annual License and inspection fee in accordance with the Housing Inspection Fee Schedule Resolution. A license for a Short Term Lodging Facility shall not be transferred or sold and will expi...
Occupancy Limits
Every Bethlehem Short Term Lodging License states a specific maximum number of lodgers, and that number is set by the City's Housing Code, not by the owner. Bedroom rentals are capped per-bedroom by the same code.
Bethlehem Short Term Lodging Occupancy Caps
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 1741.04(C), § 1741.05(B)
C. Each License will note how many lodgers are permitted for short term rental and require the applicant to submit proof of, and remain in constant compliance with, the following: ... B. ... The current City of Bethlehem Housing Code will determine the maximum occupancy of the Short Term Lodging Facility and, in the case where the owner-occupant rents a specific bedroom accommodation, the numbe...
Host Presence Rule
Bethlehem lets an owner rent up to 2 bedrooms of their owner-occupied home to transient visitors, but only if the owner personally occupies the residence for the entire stay, which can run from 24 hours up to 30 consecutive days.
Bethlehem Owner-Present Room Rentals
Significant RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 1741.03(A)
A. Specific bedroom accommodation. The owner of an owner-occupied single family dwelling may rent no more than 2 bedrooms to transient visitors for a period of not less than 24 hours and not more than 30 consecutive days. Under this arrangement, the owner must occupy the residence during the stay of the transient visitor.
Repeat Violator Strikes
A Bethlehem short-term rental owner convicted of a third violation of the Short Term Lodging ordinance within any five-year period is disqualified from using the property as a rental for two years, a penalty that follows the owner's successors, heirs and assigns.
Bethlehem STR Three-Strike Disqualification
Significant RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 1741.06(C)(a)(vi)
vi. Notwithstanding any past or pending administrative action taken to suspend, revoke, or not renew a license for Short Term Lodging Facility license, upon conviction of a third offense under Section 8 of this Ordinance within any 5-year period, the Owner of the Facility, and his/her successors, heirs and assigns, shall be disqualified from using the property as a Short Term Lodging Facility f...