Pittsburgh, PA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Pittsburgh, PA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, before renting unit
- Issuing agency
- License Officer (Permits, Licenses, Inspections)
- Registration term
- 1 year, renewable
- Permit term after inspection
- 3 years
- Max fine
- $500 per unit per month
Summary
Pittsburgh treats short-term homestays as rental units, requiring a valid rental permit from the License Officer before renting the unit, plus registration and inspection under the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program.
No person shall lease, rent, or otherwise allow a rental unit within the City to be occupied without having a currently valid rental permit issued by the License Officer as required by this Chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to charge or collect rent for occupancy of a rental unit with the City unless a permit has been issued by the License Officer and such permit has not expired or been revoked.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 781.01(i) expressly defines "domiciles used by owners as short-term homestays and experiences" as rental units, pulling Airbnb-style listings into Chapter 781's Residential Housing Rental Permit Program. Under § 781.02, no one may lease, rent, or allow a rental unit to be occupied, or collect rent for one, without a currently valid permit from the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections' License Officer. Getting one requires registering the unit, passing an inspection against City housing and property-maintenance standards, and paying the rental registration fee; registration runs one year and a passed-inspection permit runs three years.
Violations & Fines
Renting a short-term homestay without a valid permit is a summary offense; § 781.09 sets a fine of up to $500 per unit for each month it is not registered or properly permitted, plus possible permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pittsburgh treat Airbnb-style rentals as regular rental units?
What happens if I rent short-term without a City permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
How Pittsburgh compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania short-term rentals overview
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