Bristol Township, PA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Chapter 181 of the Bristol Township Code, the Tenant Registry, applies to every lessor, meaning any person who grants a lease or otherwise permits the use of real estate. The definition of lessee excludes those who rent for a period of less than 30 days. The annual report goes to the Managing Director in writing at the Township office. It lists the number of parcels or units rented and available for rental, a description by address, number or another meaningful method, the names and ages of the lessees and others residing with them, and which unit or parcel each occupies.

The Managing Director can prepare a form called the Status of Occupancy Report, but under § 181-4 the lack of a form does not excuse a lessor from providing the information. Any change in occupancy or in the identity of the lessee, including a new lessee, a lessee moving to a different unit, or a unit becoming vacant, must be reported to the Managing Director within 10 days. Registration runs alongside rental licensing under Chapter 120. Under § 120-10I every person who rents a house, apartment, multifamily dwelling or room for residence in Bristol Township, other than motels and hotels, must obtain an annual license from the Office of Licenses, Zoning and Inspections and give written notice of changes in occupancy.

The license fee is set by resolution or ordinance of Township Council and billed in January, and the code states that the annual license acts as registration of the dwelling units only. Payment is due not later than October 31 of the preceding year, and a unit that has not qualified for a certificate of approval by February 28 is declared unfit for occupancy, with the occupants subject to a vacate order from the Director.