Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Allentown, PA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Allentown, PA, but with restrictions. The City requires registration and an annual residential rental license for rental units; lodging-type uses are regulated separately—bed & breakfast inns are allowed only if owner-occupied, limited to no more than 10 guest rooms, and guest rooms 'may not be offered for rental for periods of more than 14 consecutive days.' The draft zoning rules explicitly prohibit short-term rentals on lots with accessory dwelling units ('neither the principal unit or the accessory unit may be used as a short-term rental'). No city page was found creating a standalone, citywide 'short-term rental' permit program (city rules treat rentals/licensing and lodging categories separately). These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

The City requires registration and an annual residential rental license for rental units; lodging-type uses are regulated separately—bed & breakfast inns are allowed only if owner-occupied, limited to no more than 10 guest rooms, and guest rooms 'may not be offered for rental for periods of more than 14 consecutive days.' The draft zoning rules explicitly prohibit short-term rentals on lots with accessory dwelling units ('neither the principal unit or the accessory unit may be used as a short-term rental'). No city page was found creating a standalone, citywide 'short-term rental' permit program (city rules treat rentals/licensing and lodging categories separately).

Vrbo is permitted in Allentown, PA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Allentown are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Allentown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.