Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Delaware County, PA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are regulated at the municipal level; for example, Radnor and Haverford Townships require rental licenses, annual fees, and safety inspections. Delaware County also imposes a mandatory hotel/short-term rental occupancy tax on all stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a rental license application to the municipal Department of Community Development or Building & Codes. 2. Pay the required annual fee (e.g., $75 in Haverford). 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection prior to occupancy or as part of the renewal cycle.

Official Resources

Official Delaware County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Delaware County, PA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Delaware County, PA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are regulated at the municipal level; for example, Radnor and Haverford Townships require rental licenses, annual fees, and safety inspections. Delaware County also imposes a mandatory hotel/short-term rental occupancy tax on all stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer. A permit is required before you can host. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Delaware County, PA?
Short-term rentals are regulated at the municipal level; for example, Radnor and Haverford Townships require rental licenses, annual fees, and safety inspections. Delaware County also imposes a mandatory hotel/short-term rental occupancy tax on all stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Delaware County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Delaware County. 1. Submit a rental license application to the municipal Department of Community Development or Building & Codes. 2. Pay the required annual fee (e.g., $75 in Haverford). 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection prior to occupancy or as part of the renewal cycle.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Delaware County?
1. Submit a rental license application to the municipal Department of Community Development or Building & Codes. 2. Pay the required annual fee (e.g., $75 in Haverford). 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection prior to occupancy or as part of the renewal cycle.
Is Vrbo legal in Delaware County, PA?
Vrbo is permitted in Delaware County, PA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Delaware County?
Short-term rental hosts in Delaware County 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Delaware County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Delaware County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction