Pittsburgh's 2018 short-term rental ordinance does not impose a uniform host-presence rule, but unhosted whole-home rentals must still meet permit, life-safety, and zoning requirements before listing online.
Ordinance 2018-1571, codified in Title 7, regulates STRs as limited lodging. Hosted stays where the operator lives onsite enjoy lighter scrutiny and fewer parking obligations. Unhosted whole-unit STRs are permitted in most residential zones provided the operator holds a valid limited-lodging license, posts emergency contact information, and complies with the city's nuisance, occupancy, and inspection rules. Hosts must respond to complaints within set timeframes. Some condominium and HOA covenants impose stricter onsite-host requirements that the city does not preempt.
Operating an unhosted STR without a license, ignoring emergency-contact posting, or running an unpermitted whole-home rental can trigger fines, license revocation, and zoning enforcement under Title 7.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh's limited-lodging framework distinguishes between owner-occupied dwellings and dedicated rentals, with zoning rules favoring operators using their...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh requires all rental properties — including STRs — to obtain a Residential Housing Rental Permit under Chapter 781 (adopted Dec 19, 2024). Annual r...
See how Pittsburgh's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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