Bristol, PA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Bristol Borough adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, 2003, in § 5-201 as the Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Bristol, then changed it in § 5-202. The heat rule is the one tenants feel first. Section PM-602.2.1 binds every owner and operator of a building who rents, leases or lets a dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guest room. That owner must supply sufficient heat from October 15 to April 15 to hold the room temperatures specified in Section PM-602.2 between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and not less than 60° F. (16° C.) during other hours. Section PM-602.3 prints a second heat duty for November 1 to March 30 with the same hours and the same 60° F. floor, so the October 15 to April 15 window is the longer of the two.

Section PM-304.14 sets a summer screen rule. From June 1 to September 15, every door, window and other outside opening used or required for ventilation in a structure with habitable rooms must carry approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch, and every swinging door needs a self-closing device in good working condition. Screen doors are not required where air curtains or insect-repellent fans are employed. Section 5-203 separately bars interior-type furniture, such as upholstered couches and chairs, from yards, porches, patios and decks. The Borough can remove it and bill the owner, with a lien available if the cost is not paid within 15 days.

Rental units are also inspected. Under § 11-107 the Building Code Official or an authorized inspector conducts a biennial inspection of each dwelling unit, and an annual inspection of a single building with more than 10 dwelling units, then issues a certificate of registration and inspection to units that comply. Under § 11-108 a change of occupancy more than 90 days after the annual inspection triggers an interim inspection, completed within five days of a complete landlord application.