Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Easton, PA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Easton, PA. According to Chapter 456, Article III of the City of Easton code, short-term rental units are permitted but must comply with specific registration, inspection, and licensing requirements. The city has established a structured regulatory framework that allows investors to operate STRs legally within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Easton, PA

Starting a short-term rental business in Easton requires following a systematic approach that ensures full compliance with local regulations. The process involves several key steps:

Step 1: Property Evaluation and Zoning Compliance Before acquiring or converting any property, verify that the intended use as a short-term rental complies with local zoning requirements. Easton's regulations apply citywide, but specific zoning restrictions may apply to certain districts.

Step 2: Registration and Licensing Process Submit required registration and licensing applications to the City of Easton. This includes both the annual short-term rental registration and a separate business license application.

Step 3: Safety Inspection Preparation Prepare the property for the required annual safety and code compliance inspection. Ensure all safety features meet city standards before scheduling the inspection.

Step 4: Tax Registration Register for appropriate tax accounts at the state and county levels to collect and remit applicable hotel occupancy taxes.

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance Management Establish systems for maintaining annual registrations, timely tax remittance, and consistent compliance with all regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Easton Requirements

Short-Term Rental Registration

• Cost: $200.00 per unit annually
• Requirement: Must be renewed once each year
• Process: Submit rental registration form and undergo annual inspection
• Documentation: Property information, ownership verification, safety compliance evidence

Business License

• Requirement: All STR operators must obtain a business license with the City of Easton
• Application Process: Submit business license application with supporting documentation
• Renewal: Annual renewal required

Safety and Inspection Requirements

Annual Inspection

• Frequency: Required once per year for each STR unit
• Scope: Safety and code compliance verification
• Scheduling: Must be completed as part of the registration renewal process
• Standards: Must comply with city safety codes and regulations

State-Level Requirements (Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License

• Requirement: Required to collect and remit the 6% state hotel occupancy tax
• Registration: Must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
• Filing: Electronic filing required through the myPATH system
• Application: Submit application for Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License

County Hotel Tax Registration

• Northampton County: 4% hotel room rental tax applies to Easton STRs
• Registration: Register with county tax authorities
• Remittance: Collect and remit local hotel tax in addition to state tax

Supporting Documentation Requirements

Property Ownership Verification

• Provide recorded property deed or equivalent ownership documentation
• If owned by LLC or other entity, submit formation documents showing ownership relationship

Property Information

• Complete property details including address, unit type, and configuration
• Floor plan showing bedrooms, maximum occupancy, and safety features

Insurance Requirements

• Liability insurance coverage documentation (specific minimums not specified in provided content)
• Coverage should include short-term rental operations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Easton Regulations

Registration and Licensing

• All STR units must be registered annually with the City of Easton
• Annual registration fee of $200.00 per unit
• Business license required for all STR operations
• Registration must be completed before operating the STR

Safety and Compliance

• Annual inspection mandatory for each registered unit
• Properties must meet all applicable city safety and building codes
• Inspection must be passed before registration renewal

Operational Requirements

• Properties must comply with all applicable city ordinances
• Operators must maintain current registrations and licenses
• Changes in ownership or property configuration require updated registration

Northampton County and State-Level Regulations

Hotel Occupancy Taxes

• State Tax: 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax on all stays under 30 days
• Local Tax: 4% Northampton County hotel room rental tax for Easton properties
• Application: Taxes apply to total rental amount including cleaning fees and charges
• Collection: Must be collected from guests and remitted to appropriate authorities
• Registration: Separate registration required for tax collection authority

Zoning Compliance

• STR operations must comply with applicable zoning regulations
• Property use must be consistent with local zoning ordinances
• Variances may be required for non-conforming uses (specific requirements vary)

Compliance and Enforcement

Documentation Requirements

• Registration certificates and business license must be maintained and displayed as required
• Inspection certificates must be current and available for review
• Tax registration certificates must be maintained for audit purposes

Record Keeping

• Maintain records of all rental transactions for tax reporting
• Keep documentation of compliance activities including inspections and renewals
• Retain records for appropriate statutory periods

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

City of Easton - Primary Contacts

City of Easton - Licensing and Registration

• Website: www.easton-pa.com
• Forms Available:
  • Residential Rental Unit Registration Form (provided via city website)
  • Business License Application (provided via city website)
• Code Reference: Chapter 456, Article III available at ecode360.com/9644248

State and County Contacts

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

• Tax Registration: For Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License
• Filing System: myPATH (Pennsylvania's online tax filing system)
• Website: www.revenue.pa.gov

Northampton County Tax Administration

• Local Hotel Tax: For 4% hotel room rental tax registration and remittance
• Contact: Contact Northampton County directly for specific tax office information

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

• Phone: (866) 466-3972
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
• Purpose: General guidance on state-level policies and local government support

Regulatory Support Organizations

Pennsylvania Association of Zoning Officials (PAAZO)

• Phone: (717) 236-9526
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: paazo.org/
• Purpose: Training and resources for zoning officials, directory of member municipalities

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. Airbnb Help Center - Easton, PA Regulations: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3027
2. City of Easton Code - Chapter 456, Article III: ecode360.com/9644248
3. Residential Rental Unit Registration Form: www.easton-pa.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif3076/f/uploads/residential_rental_unit_registration_form_0.pdf
4. Business License Application: www.easton-pa.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif3076/f/uploads/bl_app.pdf

Pennsylvania State Resources

1. BNBCalc - Pennsylvania STR Regulation Guide: www.bnbcalc.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulation/pennsylvania-guide
2. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: www.revenue.pa.gov
3. PAAZO Website: paazo.org/

Additional Resources

1. Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: Contact information provided above
2. Northampton County Government: Contact county directly for tax administration details

Important Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations may have changed since this guide was published. Always verify current requirements with local authorities and consult with qualified legal professionals before making investment decisions. Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is the responsibility of the property owner or operator.