Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Downingtown, PA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Downingtown, PA, but with restrictions. Downingtown requires a rental property permit for any dwelling let to persons who are not immediate family; permits are biennial and inspections are required upon initial application, change of tenant, and renewal. The owner/property manager/agent (responsible party) must reside within a ten-mile radius of the Borough and all current and prior sewer/refuse and property taxes must be paid before a permit is issued. 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.

Downingtown requires a rental property permit for any dwelling let to persons who are not immediate family; permits are biennial and inspections are required upon initial application, change of tenant, and renewal. The owner/property manager/agent (responsible party) must reside within a ten-mile radius of the Borough and all current and prior sewer/refuse and property taxes must be paid before a permit is issued.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Downingtown. 1) Complete and submit the Residential Rental Property Permit Application and Tenant Registration to the Borough Code Enforcement Office and pay the application fee ($120.00 per dwelling unit). 2) Borough assigns a Code Enforcement Officer and schedules an inspection; pass inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance or correct violations and schedule reinspections. 3) Permits are issued on a biennial cycle; schedule inspections upon renewal or change of tenant as required.

1) Complete and submit the Residential Rental Property Permit Application and Tenant Registration to the Borough Code Enforcement Office and pay the application fee ($120.00 per dwelling unit). 2) Borough assigns a Code Enforcement Officer and schedules an inspection; pass inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance or correct violations and schedule reinspections. 3) Permits are issued on a biennial cycle; schedule inspections upon renewal or change of tenant as required.

Vrbo is permitted in Downingtown, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Downingtown 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 Downingtown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.