Which towns in the Poconos, PA allow short term rentals?

[Jimmy Gonzalez]

I’m looking to buy a rental property in the Poconos area. I am researching the areas but I can’t find any information on which towns allow short term rentals. Does anybody have a list or know of a website? Thanks.

[Xander Weidenbaum]

So yes, it varies by township and also HOA. The following townships, to my knowledge, currently have short-term rental ordinances in place that allow for short term rentals w permits (from east to west): Middle Smithfield, Jackson, Paradise, Barrett, Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock. Tobyhanna township is expected to pass one that will be 'rental friendly,' but to my knowledge has not been passed yet. Stroud township allows STR in two communities - Penn Estates and Blue Mountain Lake Estates - only. Lehman (Pike County/Bushkill), Smithfield, Eastburg Borough, Stroud Borough, Hamilton, Pocono, Chestnuthill and some others explicitly do not allow STR under 30 days continuous period. Then there are communities within the townships that may disallow - I.e. Country Club of the Poconos in Middle Smithfield and Timber Hill POA in Paradise.

This is my primary market and we've done a TON of short-term rental work particularly over the past 3+ years. Happy to help w more questions. Almost all townships have the short-term rental ordinance, as applicable, available on their website. In general, the areas that were 'traditionally vacation oriented' on top of the Pocono plateau (Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock, Tobyhanna) etc. have experienced the greatest growth in sales volume in 2020 due to a combo of more owners having second/vacation homes there so it's easier for them to bring their property to market, generally friendly STR rules and proximity to Pocono attractions (ski, hiking etc.). 

Also some spots that have commercial or special 'recreation' zoning (like the townhomes at Camelback) allow short term rental despite being in a township (Pocono) that doesn't allow it in their residential only zones. Folks that have STR's in the area are doing great with them... # of bedrooms and specialty features really help drive it. Good luck and happy house hunting!