Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Luzerne County, PA

Airbnbs are effectively legal in Luzerne County, PA because there are no specific short-term rental regulations on the books. Short-term rentals are primarily regulated at the municipal level through local rental licensing and occupancy permit programs rather than a unified county-wide ordinance. Key constraints typically include mandatory residential rental registration, safety inspections, and compliance with local zoning and occupancy limits. Additionally, hosts must ensure compliance with the Luzerne County hotel tax, which is collected automatically by platforms like Airbnb under a county contract. Operators should still verify HOA rules, state-level requirements, and any tax-collection obligations. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are primarily regulated at the municipal level through local rental licensing and occupancy permit programs rather than a unified county-wide ordinance. Key constraints typically include mandatory residential rental registration, safety inspections, and compliance with local zoning and occupancy limits. Additionally, hosts must ensure compliance with the Luzerne County hotel tax, which is collected automatically by platforms like Airbnb under a county contract.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Luzerne County. 1. Complete the Residential Property Rental License and Inspection Application for the specific municipality (e.g., Wilkes-Barre Health Department). 2. Pay the required fees (e.g., $100 for license and $100 for inspection in Wilkes-Barre). 3. Schedule and pass a rental/occupancy inspection conducted by a city inspector.

1. Complete the Residential Property Rental License and Inspection Application for the specific municipality (e.g., Wilkes-Barre Health Department). 2. Pay the required fees (e.g., $100 for license and $100 for inspection in Wilkes-Barre). 3. Schedule and pass a rental/occupancy inspection conducted by a city inspector.

Vrbo is effectively legal in Luzerne County, PA for the same reason Airbnb is: there are no short-term-rental-specific regulations on the books. Operators should still check HOA, state, and tax obligations before listing. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Luzerne 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.

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