Tunkhannock Township Short-Term Rental Permit: Rules, Fees and How to Apply

The rules in Tunkhannock Township

• A yearly Short-Term Rental Permit for each home, issued to the owner. Renew every year, and whenever the rental's conditions change.
• Occupancy: 2 people per bedroom plus 4 overnight (for example 3 bedrooms = 10, 4 bedrooms = 12). Day guests up to half the overnight maximum.
• Bedrooms are capped by the sewage permit (3 if there's no permit on record, unless the septic is shown to be adequate). Advertising more than 5 bedrooms needs septic approval.
• If you live more than about 15 miles away, name a local agent as the person in charge, with a 24-hour phone and written authority to accept legal papers for you.
• Parking on the property only: not in the street right-of-way or on lawns. No RVs, tents or outdoor sleeping; no fireworks or floating lanterns; no subleasing.
• At least $500,000 commercial-use liability insurance. Septic and parking are inspected, and renewals require an inspection.
• Apply with floor and site plans, a septic evaluation and pumping within 3 years, the county hotel tax certificate, PA sales tax permit, deed, insurance declaration page and notice to your HOA.
• Renewals need proof that hotel and sales taxes are paid, and the septic pumping record every 3 years.
• Smoke and CO detectors, GFI outlets, a metal dryer vent, a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and on every floor, and a notice inside the front door with the contact, 911 address, limits and trash day.

Fees

• $750 for a new permit and $250 per renewal, plus $500 to appeal to the Board of Supervisors (fee schedule effective March 1, 2026). Pay by cash, check or money order.

How to apply

Download the 2026 application or renewal form from the township website and email it to tunkzone@longpondpa.com, or bring it to 1557 Long Pond Rd, Long Pond, PA 18334. Office 570-646-3008.

Before you apply: your tax registrations

Townships usually ask for proof that you're registered for lodging taxes, so do these first:

• Pennsylvania's 6% hotel occupancy tax: register for a sales, use and hotel occupancy tax license in myPATH (the PA-100 registration).
• Monroe County's 3% hotel room rental tax, registered with the County Treasurer (see our Monroe County hotel tax guide).

Confirm with the township

• The township's October 2026 agenda lists a 2027 fee schedule update, so fees may change in January 2027.

Tips

• Check your community or HOA rules too. Many Pocono communities have their own renter registration, fees and limits, and you have to follow both.
• Keep one folder with your deed, insurance declaration page, floor and site plans, septic records and tax certificates. Renewals usually ask for the same papers.
• Make sure the guest limit on Airbnb, Vrbo and our site matches your permit.