Short-term Rental Advocates Push for Common-Sense Regulations at Hearing

Harrisburg, PA — (March 31, 2026) — As lawmakers in Harrisburg propose legislation aimed at establishing a statewide framework for short-term rental (STR) regulation, advocates for the STR industry had an opportunity to testify before a PA House committee which will be considering House Bill 2303.

H.B. 2303, if passed, would change oversight of STRs without overriding local zoning, requiring more consistency across the Commonwealth for enforcement and transparency. Among those who testified before the Pennsylvania House Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development Committee was Rebecca Gallagher, Executive Director of the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO).

Gallagher was invited to provide perspective on behalf of STR owners and operators across the Poconos region—an area where vacation rentals play a significant role in supporting tourism, local businesses, and
middle-class property ownership.

“We appreciate being included in this conversation and recognize the effort lawmakers are making to bring clarity and consistency to STR regulation,” said Gallagher. “Our goal is to be a constructive partner in shaping policies that protect communities while preserving the economic benefits STRs bring to Pennsylvania.”

During her testimony, Gallagher highlighted concerns with the bill’s proposed three-tiered regulatory structure, which categorizes properties as homestays, vacation rentals, or corporate operators. Gallagher emphasized that tying regulatory requirements to the number of properties owned—rather than actual risk factors—creates unnecessary complexity and could lead to inconsistent enforcement across the Commonwealth.

“If a guest needs help or a neighbor has a concern, it doesn’t matter whether the owner has one property or ten,” she added. “Safety and accountability should be consistent across the board.”

The Poconos VRO supports reasonable, clearly defined regulations that prioritize:

• Guest safety
• Neighborhood compatibility
• Clear accountability standards
• Consistent and enforceable rules

Short-term rentals are a key driver of Pennsylvania’s tourism economy, supporting thousands of jobs andvgenerating significant local spending in restaurants, attractions, and small businesses. In the Poconos,
STRs also provide a pathway for middle-class families to own and maintain second homes—something Gallagher noted is often overlooked in policy discussions.

The Poconos VRO remains committed to working collaboratively with state and local leaders to develop balanced, effective regulations that protect communities while sustaining the economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s tourism industry.