Pittsburgh, PA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Pittsburgh adopted the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program under Chapter 781 (Title 7, Article X) on December 19, 2024. All rental properties including short-term rentals must register and obtain a permit through the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI). The total cost is $35.50 per unit, broken down as $16 for permit registration, $5.50 for permit inspection, and $14 per dwelling or sleeping unit for inspection. Applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, current certificate of occupancy, property street address and unit count, and authorized agent information if applicable. Each rental unit on separate premises requires its own permit. Properties undergo a mandatory safety inspection verifying compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code including functional heating, plumbing, electrical systems, structural soundness, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. A voluntary registration period ran from December 2024 through May 31, 2025. Code enforcement for unregistered rentals began June 1, 2025. Operators must also separately register with the Allegheny County Treasurers Office for the 7% Hotel Room Rental Tax and the PA Department of Revenue for the 6% state Hotel Occupancy Tax. A 24/7 local contact person must be designated for each STR property.