Bethlehem, PA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Heat season
- October 1 to May 15
- Minimum heat temperature
- 68F in habitable rooms
- Minimum electrical service
- 100-ampere, 3-wire
- Boarded window limit
- 60 days maximum
- First violation fine
- $200 or 30 days
- Third violation fine
- $1,000 or 90 days
Summary
Bethlehem enforces habitability through its local amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code. Landlords must furnish heat from October 1 to May 15 to keep 68F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms, and dwelling units need working electrical service, screens and pest control.
Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units shall furnish heat to the occupants thereof during the period from October 1 to May 15 to maintain a temperature of not less than 68F (20C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
Full Breakdown
Article 1733 adopts the 2018 ICC International Property Maintenance Code and then amends specific sections to fit Bethlehem's own habitability standards. 3, Heat Supply, requires every owner and operator of a building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units to furnish heat to occupants from October 1 to May 15 to maintain a temperature of not less than 68F (20C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms, with a lower 65F (18C) floor only in areas averaging above 30F for the month.
1 requires permanently installed, non-portable central heating or fixed electrical heating capable of maintaining that temperature; pipeless or ductless systems do not qualify absent Code Official approval. 2 require dwelling units to carry at least a 100-ampere three-wire 120/240-volt service, two remote receptacle outlets in every habitable space, and GFCI protection at kitchen counters, bathrooms and exterior outlets. 20 bars plywood or other coverings over exterior windows, skylights or doors visible from a public way for longer than 60 days, after which the openings must be restored to proper working condition with fitted frames, hardware and glazing.
7, which conditions issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any rented dwelling unit on the owner or operator supplying the Inspection Bureau the name and address of a local agent within a twenty-mile radius of the City authorized to accept service of process, updated annually or upon any change of agent.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the adopted Property Maintenance Code carry a tiered fine schedule under amended Section PM-106.4: $200 or up to 30 days imprisonment for a first violation, $500 or up to 60 days for a second, and $1,000 or up to 90 days for a third and each subsequent violation, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. Failing to provide a local agent under Section 107.7 leads to revocation of the certificate of occupancy and closure of the unit to tenants after two weeks' notice, until a new certificate issues. Appeals from a code official's decision go to the Board of Appeals under Article 150 within 10 days of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature must a Bethlehem landlord maintain in winter?
Can a Bethlehem landlord use a space heater to meet the heat requirement?
How long can a Bethlehem landlord leave a window boarded up?
What happens if a Bethlehem property fails a habitability inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bethlehem
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