Allentown, PA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum heat
- 68°F in habitable rooms, Oct 1-May 1
- Workspace heat
- 65°F, same October-May period
- Window guards
- Required if child under 11 and tenant requests
- Insect screens
- 16 mesh per inch, self-closing doors
- Supplied linens
- Laundered weekly and before new occupant
- Enforcement
- Bureau of Building Standards and Safety
- Default penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day, § 1-18
Summary
Allentown's Property Maintenance Code requires every landlord who furnishes heat to keep rental units at least 68°F from October 1 through May 1, install child window guards on written tenant request under Ahnelly's Law, screen doors and windows against insects, and keep contracted services like heat and water connected. The Bureau of Building Standards and Safety enforces these standards under Chapter 455 of the City Code.
602.3 Heat supply. (1) Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guest room on terms, either express or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from October 1 to May 1, to maintain a temperature of not less than 68° F. in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms measured at a distance of 36 inches above the floor level in a location where the sensing device is not exposed to a condition of abnormal heat gain or loss. (a) Exception: When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required, provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4995055; v49 updated 2026-06-26; through 06-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 455's Property Maintenance Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 16137 on May 21, 2025, sets the minimum livability standards owners must meet in every occupied rental. 3 to require heat of at least 68°F, measured 36 inches above the floor, in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms from October 1 through May 1; the duty only lifts when outdoor temperatures fall below the locality's winter design temperature and the furnace is already running at full capacity. 4. b: buildings with three or more units must install window guards meeting ASTM F2090 whenever a child age 10 or younger lives in or regularly spends time in the unit and the tenant makes the request in writing, delivered the same way rent is paid; guards cannot cover designated fire-exit windows.
14, though Historic District properties follow HARB guidelines instead. 5 requires landlord-supplied bedding and towels to be laundered at least weekly and before a new occupant moves in. B independently require every rental unit to be kept in good and safe condition and compliant with all applicable codes. The Bureau of Building Standards and Safety, under the Department of Community and Economic Development, is the code official charged with enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Failing to supply required heat, screens, window guards or maintained services is a Property Maintenance Code violation. Where Chapter 455 sets no specific penalty, the City's general penalty clause, § 1-18, applies: a fine of up to $1,000, with each day the violation continues counting as a separate offense. A unit found unfit for human habitation under § 455-7.D must be vacated and stays vacant until the code official confirms the defect is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature must my landlord keep my Allentown rental?
Can I require my landlord to install window guards?
What happens if my rental is declared unfit for habitation?
Who enforces Allentown's rental habitability rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
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