Short-Term Rentals in Reading, PA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Reading, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Reading, PA does not have a standalone short-term rental ordinance. Hosts who rent dwellings for stays under 30 days are regulated through the city's Landlord Business Privilege License, Rental Property registration under the International Property Maintenance Code, applicable zoning, and the Berks County 5% hotel excise tax. Pennsylvania has no statewide STR preemption.
Reading Short-Term Rental Permit and Licensing
Some RestrictionsNoise Rules
Short-term rental hosts in Reading are responsible for guest noise under the city's general noise and nuisance provisions in the Reading City Code (eCode360 RE1294). Loud music, parties, and amplified sound that disturb neighbors trigger Quality of Life tickets, and repeat violations can jeopardize a host's Landlord Business Privilege License and IPMC rental certification.
Reading STR Guest Noise Compliance
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Short-term rental operators in Reading must collect the Berks County 5% hotel excise tax (Berks County Ordinance 1-13, expanded to all Berks County hotels in 2013) and the Pennsylvania 6% state hotel occupancy tax under 72 P.S. §7210 for any stay under 30 days. Reading does not impose an additional municipal STR tax. Berks County requires monthly remittance by the 25th of the following month.
Reading STR Hotel Tax and Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Reading does not impose STR-specific parking minimums, but short-term rentals are bound by the off-street parking requirements in the Reading Zoning Ordinance for the use district where the dwelling sits, and by the on-street residential permit-parking system in dense neighborhoods. Hosts must inform guests that residential permit zones bar non-permitted vehicles for stays beyond the posted time limit.
Reading STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Reading does not set an STR-specific occupancy cap, but every dwelling must meet the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) minimum-area standards adopted city-wide. IPMC Section 404 sets minimum sleeping-room area (70 sq ft for one occupant, 50 sq ft per additional) and the overall dwelling minimum. Reading Property and Codes Enforcement inspects rental units under these standards.
Reading STR Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Reading PA does not require short-term rental hosts to carry a specific insurance policy or post a liability minimum, and Pennsylvania has no statewide STR insurance mandate. However, hosts using Airbnb or VRBO rely on platform-provided host protection (AirCover up to $1M, VRBO Liability Insurance up to $1M), and a personal homeowner's policy almost always excludes commercial transient rental.
Reading STR Insurance Considerations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Berks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reading city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Berks County →