Township and county authorities play distinct but often complementary roles in regulating private party rentals, including both long-term and short-term rental properties. Their responsibilities are shaped by local ordinances, state or provincial law, and the specific needs of their communities.

Township Authority

Registration and Licensing

• Mandatory Registration: Many townships require property owners to register rental units annually. For example, Covert Township mandates that all rental properties register by March 1st each year and obtain a Rental Certificate or Short-Term Rental Permit.
• Permits and Certificates: Townships issue permits or certificates to ensure that rental properties meet safety, health, and zoning standards. This process often includes inspections to verify compliance with local building and fire codes.
• Fees: Property owners typically pay annual fees based on the number of rental units, which help fund enforcement and administrative costs.

Regulation and Enforcement

• Ordinances: Townships enact ordinances to define what constitutes a rental property, set occupancy limits, and establish rules for tenant and owner conduct. For instance, Radnor Township’s regulations aim to protect public health, safety, and neighborhood quality by controlling the concentration of student housing and requiring special exceptions for new student housing.
• Compliance Checks: Townships conduct inspections and respond to complaints to ensure properties remain in compliance with local codes and ordinances.
• Penalties: Non-compliance can result in warnings, fines, suspension of rental privileges, or revocation of rental licenses.

County Authority

Broader Oversight and Support

• Coordination: Counties often provide support to townships by maintaining records, offering legal guidance, and sometimes assisting with enforcement, especially in areas where townships lack resources.
• Zoning and Land Use: While townships typically handle day-to-day zoning and land use decisions, counties may have overarching land use plans or regulations that affect rental properties, especially in unincorporated areas.
• Health and Safety: County health departments may be involved in inspecting rental properties for health code violations, particularly in areas where townships do not have their own health departments.

Key Regulatory Objectives

• Public Safety: Ensuring rental properties meet fire, building, and health codes to protect occupants and neighbors.
• Neighborhood Preservation: Preventing the over-concentration of rentals and maintaining the residential character of communities.
• Fairness and Transparency: Establishing clear rules for property owners and tenants, and ensuring that regulations are enforced consistently.

Summary Table

Township and county authorities work together to ensure that private party rentals are safe, compliant, and beneficial to the broader community, with townships typically taking the lead on direct regulation and enforcement.