Pittsburgh

Rental permit

Pittsburgh's rental permit chapter covers any dwelling rented for any period of time, and it names short-term homestays.[1] No one may rent a unit, or charge rent for it, without a valid permit.[1]

Who applies

The applicant can be the owner, a landlord or their authorized agent.[9] The code defines a landlord as anyone who owns or controls a unit and rents it.[1] Registration asks for the address, block and lot number, the number of rental units, every owner's contact details, a photo ID showing you're 18 or older and a person who can schedule inspections.[10]

Fees

PLI's page, last updated Jun 6, 2025, lists a $16 registration fee and a $5.50 inspection fee per rental unit, plus $14 per dwelling or sleeping unit for the inspection.[2] Its example is $77.50 for a four-unit building, then $16 to renew after it passes.[2] The code says registration fees are reviewed and set annually.[1]

Zoning

We found no short-term rental use in the zoning use table as of Oct 6, 2026, though it lists bed and breakfast and hotel or motel uses.[3] The zoning administrator decides how to classify an unlisted use.[11]

Pending bills

Two bills introduced Jan 9, 2026 would add a city short-term rental license and zoning rules.[6, 12] As introduced, the license would cap guest stays at 28 consecutive days and require a named person responsible for daily operations.[12] The zoning bill was amended by substitute on Jun 24, 2026, and a news report says the new version would limit residential-zone rentals mostly to owners who live on site.[5, 13]

Inspection

PLI inspects each registered unit and issues a non-provisional permit only after it passes.[1] It uses the International Property Maintenance Code as its standard.[1]

Permit terms

Registration lasts one year and must be renewed at least 30 days before it expires.[10] Existing units get a provisional permit until inspection, and a unit that passes gets a permit for three years.[10] A new owner must re-register within 60 calendar days of a transfer.[10]

Inspection access

If you can't be there for the inspection, name an authorized agent who can let PLI in.[9] PLI asks the applicant, owner, landlord or a tenant who is 18 or older for consent to enter.[9] If access is refused, the License Officer may seek an administrative warrant.[1]

No other operating rules found

In Chapter 781 and the zoning use table we found no city rules on guest limits, insurance, listing numbers or a local contact for short-term rentals.[1, 3]

State hotel tax

Renting a property to the same person for less than 30 days is subject to Pennsylvania's hotel occupancy tax, at the same 6 percent rate as sales tax.[7] The state also collects an added 1 percent local hotel tax in Allegheny County.[7]

State license and filing

If you don't book only through a site that collects and remits the state tax, you must register for a Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.[7] You then file returns and pay electronically through myPATH.[7]

County hotel tax

Allegheny County's hotel room rental tax is 7%, and short-term rentals must register with the county's Special Tax Division.[8] The tax is filed monthly or quarterly, depending on the size of the establishment, and returns are due within 20 days after the period ends.[8]

Booking platforms

Booking agents may collect and remit the county tax for you, but you still must register and report your taxable revenue.[8] For the state tax, if you use only a site that confirms it collects and remits it, the state says not to register for a license.[7]

Fine in the code

Renting a unit without a valid rental permit is a summary offense, with fines up to $500 per unit per month.[14] The PLI rules repeat a $500 fine per rental unit.[9]

Enforcement on hold

The PLI rules said it would not take code enforcement or seek fines before Jun 1, 2025.[9] Its rental registration page says compliance remains voluntary until further notice and that PLI does not seek penalties.[2] PLI says it will notify the public at least 30 days before full enforcement.[2]

Hotel tax penalties

Late county hotel tax payments carry penalties and interest and may be sent to collection.[8]

Where the bills stand

The license bill was last held in committee on Jul 29, 2026, and is due back Oct 21, 2026.[4] The zoning bill was sent to the Planning Commission on Jun 24, 2026.[5] A news report says the commission postponed its vote on Sept 8, 2026, to wait for a city legal opinion.[15]