Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Manheim Township: Short-term rentals are prohibited under current regulations. The township's rental housing code specifically defines rental housing as properties rented for a minimum of 6 months for single-family/two-family dwellings, effectively excluding traditional short-term rental operations (less than 6 months).

Manheim Borough: Short-term rentals are allowed but heavily regulated under the "limited lodging" zoning ordinance. These rentals are permitted in single-family attached or detached properties in any zone, but are specifically prohibited in accessory structures or multi-family apartment buildings.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Manheim Borough Process:

1. Property Qualification: Ensure your property is a single-family attached or detached dwelling (not in accessory structure or multi-family building)
2. Annual Permit Application: Apply for limited lodging rental permit
3. Property Inspection: Submit to annual borough inspection
4. Stay Limitation: Limit individual lodging stays to 15 days (though stays may be extended at borough staff discretion)

Manheim Township Process:

• Note: Traditional short-term rentals are prohibited due to the 6-month minimum rental requirement in the code
• Long-term rentals (6+ months) require:
  • Annual rental housing license ($50 fee)
  • Property inspection per schedule
  • Responsible local agent if owner lives >25 miles away

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Manheim Borough:

• Limited Lodging Rental Permit (annual)
• Property Inspection (annual)

Manheim Township (Long-term Rentals):

• Rental Housing Initial Application (PDF available)
• Annual Rental License ($50 per license)
• Responsible Local Agent Form (if owner lives >25 miles away)
• Property Inspection (frequency varies by number of units)

Specific Regulations

Manheim Borough - Limited Lodging (Short-Term Rentals):

• Permitted Locations: Single-family attached/detached properties in any zone
• Prohibited Locations: Accessory structures, multi-family apartment buildings
• Stay Duration: Maximum 15 days per stay (extendable at staff discretion)
• Inspection Requirement: Annual property inspection by borough
• Permit Requirement: Annual permit required

Manheim Township - Long-Term Rentals:

• Minimum Rental Period: 6 months for one/two-family dwellings
• Inspection Schedule: Varies by property size
  • 1-2 units: 100% inspected
  • 3-10 units: 50% inspected
  • 11-30 units: 25% inspected
  • 31-50 units: 15% inspected
  • 51+ units: 10% inspected
• Fee Structure: $40-$250 depending on number of units
• Responsible Local Agent: Required if owner lives >25 miles from property
• Late Fee: Applications after April 1st subject to surcharge

Contact Information

Manheim Township:

Construction Code Official / Property Maintenance Administrator

• Neil Savage
• Phone: (717) 569-6406 ext 1126
• Email: nsavage@manheimtownship.org

Property Maintenance & Rental Housing Inspector

• Cora Walker
• Phone: (717) 569-6406 ext. 1119
• Email: cwalker@manheimtownship.org

Township Office

• Address: 1840 Municipal Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601
• Phone: (717) 569-6408
• Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Manheim Borough:

• Contact Information: Not provided in the content
• Location: Borough office mentioned as 15 E. High St., Manheim, PA

Links to Source Pages

1. Manheim Township Rental Housing Program
2. Manheim Township Ordinance 2021-16
3. Lancaster Online - Manheim Borough Short-Term Rental Article

Key Takeaway for Investors

The regulatory landscape is sharply divided: Manheim Borough allows but strictly regulates short-term rentals, while Manheim Township prohibits them entirely due to long-term rental definitions. Investors must carefully verify property location within these two distinct municipalities before proceeding with any short-term rental venture in the Manheim area.