Document · seen July 16, 2026
Rental Property
A guide for rental property owners in Pottsville on compliance requirements including licensing, insurance, inspections, fair housing practices, and code enforcement.
You must comply with all Fair Housing Requirements
It is unlawful because of any person's race, religion, ancestry, disability, age, color, sex, national origin, or familial status to refuse to sell, lease, finance or otherwise withhold housing or commercial property, or discriminate in the terms or conditions of selling, leasing, financing, or in providing facilities, services or privileges in connection with the ownership, occupancy or use of any housing or commercial property, or print or otherwise circulate any statement indicating a preference or limitation, or make any inquiry or record in connection with the sale, lease or financing of any housing or commercial property.
Contact Information
- City of Pottsville, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901
- Office hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday–Friday
- Phone: 570.622.1234
- Fax: 570.622.3524
- Website: www.city.pottsville.pa.us
What the Owner of Every Rental Property Should Know
The City of Pottsville has developed this brochure to assist the owners of rental properties to achieve financial success and compliance with regulations that impact their business.
Before you Buy
Prior to investing any time or money in a rental property, we advise you to carefully assess the property to ensure that it is appropriate for that purpose. Specifically, we encourage you to look into zoning regulations and the actual condition of the property.
Acquire a Business License
All persons operating a business in Pottsville must first acquire a license. That can be obtained from the Tax Administrator at 570.622.1234 x326 or online.
Provide General Information about the Property
Owners are asked to complete a brief form showing who is responsible for the property and who to contact in the case of emergency. This information must be current at all times.
Be Compliant with Building Codes
All properties within the City of Pottsville must be compliant with the International Property Maintenance Code and applicable City Ordinances, which are available in the Code Enforcement Office at 570.622.1234 x323.
Get and Maintain Insurance
The City requires $50,000 general liability insurance and casualty insurance in an amount necessary to restore or remove the property. A copy of that insurance must be faxed to 570-622-3524 before the building is rented.
Cooperate with the Inspection Process
All rental properties must be inspected on a regular basis. The cost for inspection is $35 for the first 3 units and $15 for each unit exceeding three. When the inspection is complete and all requirements are met, you will obtain a Certificate of Compliance. The certificate must be posted in the building at all times.
Register All Tenants
All tenants over the age of 18 must be registered with the City Tax Office. Changes in tenancy must be reported within 10 days. All forms and additional information can be found at www.city.pottsville.pa.us
Provide Professional Trash Removal Service
All properties must have adequate trash removal service. Properties with less than 3 units fall within the City Single Hauling program; call City Hall to activate your account at 570.622.1234 x319. Properties with 3 or more units have the option of contracting with a licensed contractor of your choice.
Recycle
The City of Pottsville is a recycling community. Single Stream Recycling makes it convenient for tenants and reduces the amount of trash that must be removed by the trash hauler.
Pottsville is a Blight Fighting Community
We are working very hard to protect your investment and maintain a good quality of life for all of our residents. We ask for your cooperation in this effort. If you are aware of a problem property, please call City Hall at 570.622.1234 or contact us by email at fightblight@city.pottsville.pa.us
Enforcement Options
- Quality of Life Tickets can be issued for a variety of day-to-day maintenance issues that can disrupt a neighborhood
- The Nuisance Property Ordinance (NPO) can be used to respond to repeated problems at the same address. Violations may result in fines from $300–$1,000 per offense
- Violation of City Code can result in citation, court costs, and subsequent fines