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Bethlehem, PA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Registration fee: $60 per unit + $10 per occupant (max 5)
Reinstatement fee: $100 per unit + $10 per occupant (max 5)
Inspection cycle Wards 6-15: Jan-June annually
Inspection cycle Wards 1-5, 16-17: July-Dec annually
First violation fine: $200 or 30 days imprisonment
Enforcing official: City Code Official

Summary

Bethlehem requires every owner of a regulated rental unit to obtain an annual License before renting it out, with registration fees, mandatory inspections and occupant caps enforced by the Code Official under Article 1739.

As a prerequisite to entering into a RENTAL AGREEMENT or permitting the occupancy of any REGULATED RENTAL UNIT (except as provided in subparagraph C, below), the OWNER of every such REGULATED RENTAL UNIT shall be required to apply for and obtain a License for each REGULATED RENTAL UNIT. ... a.) Registration – The fee for a Residential Rental Registration shall be sixty dollars ($60.00) per residential rental unit plus ten dollars ($10.00) per occupant with a maximum of five (5) occupants per year due and payable at the time of the application.

View official code

Full Breakdown

2). 3). 4). 9). a). d). 6). 16). 12).

Violations & Fines

Operating a regulated rental unit without a current License, or letting occupancy exceed the number stated on the License, is unlawful and carries escalating fines before a Magisterial District Judge: $200.00 or 30 days imprisonment for a first violation, $500.00 or 60 days for a second, and $1,000.00 or 90 days for a third and each later violation (1739.06.6.1-6.2). A third offense triggers mandatory eviction proceedings against the tenants. The Code Official can also issue a formal warning or move to non-renew, suspend or revoke the License itself, separate from any court fine (1739.05).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Bethlehem landlord need a rental license?

Yes, unless the unit is exempt. Article 1739.04.A requires a License for every regulated rental unit before it is rented, but owner-occupied units with one or fewer unrelated occupants, hotels, motels, hospitals, nursing homes and licensed bed and breakfasts do not need one.

How much does Bethlehem charge to register a rental unit?

The registration fee is $60.00 per residential rental unit plus $10.00 per occupant, up to a maximum of five occupants, payable when the application is submitted under 1739.04.B.4.10.a.

What happens if a Bethlehem owner rents without a license?

It is unlawful under 1739.06.6.1, and conviction before a Magisterial District Judge brings a $200.00 fine or 30 days imprisonment for a first offense, rising to $1,000.00 or 90 days by the third offense, which also triggers mandatory eviction of the occupants.

Can the City inspect a Bethlehem rental without notice?

The Code Official may inspect at license application time or at any other time during the year under 1739.04.C.4.13, and can apply to the Magisterial District Judge for a search warrant on a showing of probable cause of a violation under 1739.04.D.4.16.

Sources & Official References

[1]Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem, Article 1739

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