Scranton, PA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

City Code § 373-7A requires every residential rental unit to undergo a "regular inspection" for health and safety, conducted by a Code Official or designated inspector no more frequently than every three years, unless the responsible landlord exception applies. The inspection covers all areas a tenant may occupy or pass through and can extend to the premises generally. The Bureau must give the landlord reasonable notice before starting an inspection (§ 373-7B). Initial inspection fees are assessed per building by unit count: $50 per unit for one to three units, and flat fees of $200, $250, or $300 for larger buildings; a first reinspection is free, but any further reinspection is billed as if the building held only the units still needing correction (§ 373-7C).

A unit keeps its rental license only if it passes the regular inspection, evidenced by an updated license showing the pass date and the date of the next required inspection (§ 373-7D). If every unit on a property passes unconditionally on its first inspection, the Bureau may extend that property to a five-year inspection cycle instead of three (§ 373-7H). The Code Official retains authority to conduct ad hoc inspections independent of the regular cycle, and, on a showing of probable cause, may apply to a court in Scranton for a search warrant to enter and inspect a suspected rental property (§ 373-7I).

Failing to undergo a regular inspection within 45 days of notice is not itself a violation, but triggers a formal warning that the rental license will be suspended if the inspection is not completed within a further reasonable period set by the Code Official (§ 373-7E(2)).