Pocono Township STR Tax Increase – What’s Happening and How We’re Responding

What Happened

In Pocono Township, Short-Term Rental (STR) owners were hit with a sudden and dramatic increase in the annual Transient Dwelling Unit (TDU) registration fee. The fee jumped from $500 per year to $2,500 per year—a 400% increase.

This change was passed without public notice, without a hearing, and without transparency. Township commissioners made the calculation that STR owners would either pay up or shut down.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a Pocono Township issue. If left unchallenged, other municipalities may see this as an opening to to adopt similar measures. What begins as one township’s action can quickly spread across the region, threatening property rights, businesses, and the thousands of local jobs supported by STRs.

The reality is this: the new fee far outweighs the actual costs of administering the TDU program. That transforms it from being a “fee” to an unjust tax on STR owners.

The Poconos VRO Response

The Poconos VRO has a plan to Fight Back.

• Legal Action: We are working with a group of owners who have legal standing to challenge the new fee in court.

• Mobilization: We are building a Litigation Committee in Pocono Township and inviting owners to get involved.

• Advocacy: We are raising awareness across the Poconos region so all STR owners and suppliers understand what’s at stake.

How You Can Help

• Pocono Township STR Owners: If you own property in Pocono Township, contact us to learn more about joining the Litigation Committee. We will walk you through next steps to protect your rental home investment.
  (email rebecca@PoconosVRO.org)

• All STR Owners and Suppliers: Contribute to the GoFundMe campaign created by PoconosVRO co-founder, Mark Shay. 100% of funds will go toward legal costs in this fight.

• Everyone in the Poconos STR Community: Join the Poconos VRO. A strong, united membership gives us the resources and credibility to defend against unfair regulations not just today, but in the future.

Why Your Support Matters

In the Poconos, STR regulations can change on a dime. Today it’s Pocono Township; tomorrow it could be somewhere else. With your help, we can garner the respect and credibility needed to stand up to unfair regulations and tactics.