Home Shares: What You Need To Know

Do you or someone you know rent out a place on Airbnb, HomeAway, or one of the many other online home sharing booking systems? Then it's important to make sure that everything is in compliance with local and state requirements.
 
We continue to see the travel industry evolve and along with that has been the growth of online hosting platforms. Since travelers are important to our destination and we want to make sure that they have suitable accommodations for themselves and their family, it's important that we educate our members and businesses on the local and state requirements.
 
Some important things to be aware of include:

• Make sure your property is zoned to operate a short-term lodging business. You may need to present a request to your zoning hearing board if your locality is not zoned for rentals.
• Refer to our local government's website to find contact information for local townships, municipal zoning officer to confirm zoning.
• If your rental property is in a community with a Home Owners Association, check their regulations to make sure it is permitted.
• Short-term rentals must adhere to the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) that may require installation of sprinklers, emergency exits, fire escapes and alarm systems.
• Make sure you're charging the six percent state occupancy tax.
• You must register with the PA Department of Revenue for Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax 
• License (except Airbnb, which performs this service).
• Ensure you're collecting county/city room tax.
• Register your property with your county and city treasurer's office.
• Have proper insurance.
• Check your zoning for parking regulations.

If you'd like to learn more, please reach out to Crissy Redding at the Adams County Treasurers office at credding@adamscounty.us.