How to get a short-term rental permit in Harrisburg, PA (2026)
Harrisburg does not currently require a dedicated short-term rental permit, but tax registration and other rules may still apply. Here's what to confirm before you list.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | No |
|---|---|
| Renewal | — |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. The Harrisburg zoning code (Title 7) contains no 'short-term rental' use category, so whole-unit STRs have no defined zoning status; the code defines a dwelling as 'nontransient living quarters.' The closest regulated use is bed-and-breakfast (owner- or manager-occupied; guests may not routinely stay more than 14 days in any month), permitted by right in the CN, CG, DC, and RF districts and by special exception as an accessory use in the RL and RM residential districts. Non-owner-occupied whole-unit STRs are not addressed anywhere in the zoning code.
- 2
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Harrisburg. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Harrisburg changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Harrisburg before applying.