Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing new regulations for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, to ensure they are safe and clean for visitors across the state.These rentals have become popular in Pennsylvania, especially in cities like Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, where people often stay for business or legislative purposes.However, some legislators argue that more needs to be done to ensure these properties are safe and clean.State Rep. Lindsey Powell said a shooting at a short-term rental in Pittsburgh prompted her to work on a statewide regulatory framework. “We’re hoping that we set a standard so that no matter where you go in our beautiful commonwealth, you’re going to be able to expect the same safety and regulation — that it’s a clean, safe environment,” Powell said.Proposed regulations would require short-term rentals to have:Proof of liability insuranceSmoke and carbon monoxide detectorsNoise monitoring devicesExterior cameras recording building entrancesContact person for property issues.”We have standards for those larger corporate rentals to make sure there is someone they can call,” Powell said.Rebecca Gallagher from the Poconos Association of Vacation and Rental Owners testified that she would like to see the same safety standards applied to homestay and vacation properties.”We think safety is across the board. Something about that tiered system feels to me like a way to keep out investors rather than promote safety and good stewardship,” Gallagher said.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing new regulations for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, to ensure they are safe and clean for visitors across the state.
These rentals have become popular in Pennsylvania, especially in cities like Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, where people often stay for business or legislative purposes.
However, some legislators argue that more needs to be done to ensure these properties are safe and clean.
State Rep. Lindsey Powell said a shooting at a short-term rental in Pittsburgh prompted her to work on a statewide regulatory framework. “We’re hoping that we set a standard so that no matter where you go in our beautiful commonwealth, you’re going to be able to expect the same safety and regulation — that it’s a clean, safe environment,” Powell said.
Proposed regulations would require short-term rentals to have:Proof of liability insuranceSmoke and carbon monoxide detectorsNoise monitoring devicesExterior cameras recording building entrancesContact person for property issues.
“We have standards for those larger corporate rentals to make sure there is someone they can call,” Powell said.
Rebecca Gallagher from the Poconos Association of Vacation and Rental Owners testified that she would like to see the same safety standards applied to homestay and vacation properties.
“We think safety is across the board. Something about that tiered system feels to me like a way to keep out investors rather than promote safety and good stewardship,” Gallagher said.