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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pittsburgh, PA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals must be registered under the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program and are subject to annual inspections. Operators must maintain a daily guest register with names and contact info, and licenses are valid for one year. Violations can result in a one-year license suspension.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a permit registration application to the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) including property details and owner contact info. 2. Pay the required fee ($16 per unit). 3. Undergo an application review and annual inspection by a PLI officer to receive a one-year license.

Regulatory Updates — Pittsburgh

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2023

Pittsburgh STR Registration Ordinance

Pittsburgh requires all short-term rental operators to register with the city, obtain a zoning clearance confirming STR use is permitted at their address, pass a housing inspection, and designate a 24/7 local contact. Annual renewal is required and the registration number must appear in all listings.

PassedMay 2024

Zoning Compliance Review for STR Applications

Pittsburgh's zoning code requires different levels of approval for STRs depending on the zoning district. Some residential zones allow STRs by right; others require a special exception or conditional use permit. The city has increased review rigor for applications in neighborhoods where STR density has grown rapidly.

PassedJanuary 2023

Pennsylvania Marketplace Facilitator Tax Collection

Pennsylvania's marketplace facilitator law requires Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms to collect and remit Pennsylvania sales tax and applicable local occupancy taxes on behalf of Pittsburgh hosts, simplifying compliance for most operators.

Official source

Official Resources

Official Pittsburgh STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Allegheny County Board of REALTORS®Local

Tracks zoning and land-use regulations affecting STR property investments in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Provides resources for property owners navigating the city's zoning compliance process.

Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Statewide association monitoring property regulations including STR-related zoning and licensing changes across Pennsylvania municipalities.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing compliance resources and regulatory monitoring for vacation rental managers in mid-Atlantic markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pittsburgh, PA?
Short-term rentals must be registered under the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program and are subject to annual inspections. Operators must maintain a daily guest register with names and contact info, and licenses are valid for one year. Violations can result in a one-year license suspension.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Pittsburgh?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pittsburgh. 1. Submit a permit registration application to the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) including property details and owner contact info. 2. Pay the required fee ($16 per unit). 3. Undergo an application review and annual inspection by a PLI officer to receive a one-year license.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Pittsburgh?
1. Submit a permit registration application to the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) including property details and owner contact info. 2. Pay the required fee ($16 per unit). 3. Undergo an application review and annual inspection by a PLI officer to receive a one-year license.
What permits are required to operate a short-term rental in Pittsburgh?
Operators need a Pittsburgh STR registration (requires zoning clearance, housing inspection, and 24/7 local contact), registration with Allegheny County for hotel/motel tax, and Pennsylvania state sales tax registration. Some zoning districts require a special exception before registration is issued. Annual renewal is required. Pennsylvania's marketplace facilitator law means Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local taxes automatically for most Pittsburgh hosts.
Which Pittsburgh neighborhoods are popular for vacation rentals?
Pittsburgh's most active STR neighborhoods include Shadyside and Squirrel Hill (close to the medical and university corridor), the South Side (near the entertainment district), Strip District (near downtown and sports venues), and Mt. Washington (scenic overlook views). Each neighborhood has different zoning designations that affect STR permissibility. Operators should verify zoning compliance for their specific address before listing.
What taxes apply to Pittsburgh short-term rental income?
Pennsylvania imposes a 6% state sales tax on short-term rental income. Allegheny County levies a 7% hotel/motel tax. The combined rate on rental receipts is approximately 13%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Pennsylvania state and Allegheny County taxes on behalf of hosts through the state's marketplace facilitator law. Operators booking directly must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and Allegheny County independently.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction