Short-Term Rentals in Scranton, PA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Scranton, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Scranton, 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 rental registration and Mercantile/Business Privilege License framework, applicable zoning, and the Lackawanna County 7% hotel tax. Scranton is a Home Rule city under PA Act 62 of 1972, and Pennsylvania has not preempted local STR regulation.
Scranton Short-Term Rental Permit and Licensing
Some RestrictionsNoise Rules
Short-term rental hosts in Scranton are responsible for guest noise under the city's general noise and nuisance provisions in the Scranton City Code (eCode360 SC1148). Loud music, parties, and amplified sound that disturb neighbors trigger citations, and repeat violations can jeopardize a host's rental registration and Mercantile/Business Privilege License under city enforcement practice.
Scranton STR Guest Noise Compliance
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Short-term rental operators in Scranton must collect the Lackawanna County 7% hotel tax authorized under 72 P.S. §1771-A et seq. and the Pennsylvania 6% state hotel occupancy tax under 72 P.S. §7210 for any stay under 30 consecutive days. The combined rate is 13%. Scranton does not impose a separate municipal STR tax, but operators must pay the city Mercantile/Business Privilege Tax.
Scranton STR Hotel Tax and Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Scranton does not impose STR-specific parking minimums, but short-term rentals are bound by the off-street parking requirements in the Scranton Zoning Ordinance for the use district where the dwelling sits, and by the on-street residential parking system administered through the Scranton Parking Authority. Hosts must inform guests that posted time limits and snow-emergency rules apply.
Scranton STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Scranton does not set an STR-specific occupancy cap, but every dwelling must meet the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) minimum-area standards as adopted by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code. IPMC Section 404 sets minimum sleeping-room area (70 sq ft for one occupant, 50 sq ft per additional). Scranton DLIP inspects rental units under these standards.
Scranton STR Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Scranton 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.