Rental Property Rules in Lower Merion, PA (2026)
2 verified rental property rules for Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rental Registration
Every residential rental unit in Lower Merion needs its own license before an owner may rent it out, under Section 75-16 of the Township Code, unless the owner occupies the unit as a primary residence. The license runs annually from January 1 through December 31 under Section 75-19, costs an application fee set by the Board of Commissioners, and operating without one risks a fine of up to $1,000 plus up to 30 days in jail under Section 75-22.
Residential Rental License Requirement, Lower Merion
Significant RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code §§ 75-16, 75-17, 75-19, 75-22
§ 75-16. License required. ... A. It shall be unlawful for any person who is an owner of a residential rental unit or multi-unit dwelling to operate or permit occupancy by tenants of such unit or multiple unit dwelling without first having obtained a license ... under the provisions of this article. B. Dwelling units occupied by the owner of the premises as the owner's primary residence are exe...
Repairs & Habitability
Lower Merion ties every residential rental license to code compliance: Section 75-17 requires that all dwelling units and common areas, including sidewalks, stairways, and yards, be found compliant with applicable codes before a license issues, and Section 75-15 states the underlying goal of decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing. Section 75-4 separately bars a landlord from retaliating against a tenant once a Fire Prevention, Housing, or Property Maintenance Code violation has been found on the premises.
Rental Property Code-Compliance Standard, Lower Merion
Some RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code §§ 75-1, 75-4, 75-15, 75-17
PREMISES Any parcel of real property in the Township, including the land and any single-family, duplex, or multifamily dwelling structure and appurtenant structures or appurtenant elements, including common areas ... § 75-4. Unfair rental practices. A. Whenever any premises are found in violation of any provision of the Lower Merion Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 78 of this Code), Lower Merion H...
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