The City of Allentown’s Codified Ordinances establishes residential and non-residential property maintenance standards and procedures for requiring the inspection, rehabilitation, repair, abatement of nuisances or compulsory demolition of buildings, structures and housing essential to the public health, safety and welfare of Allentown residents and the community. Residential Property Inspections is charged with enforcing the Code.

Residential Rental Unit Registration and Inspection Program

All residential rental units in Allentown must be registered according to the Licensing Residential Rental Units Ordinance.

All residential rental units in Allentown must be registered according to the Licensing Residential Rental Units Ordinance.  To register your rental unit, complete and submit the Residential Rental Unit Registration Application. Residential Property Inspections will contact you to schedule an inspection. If your property passes the inspection, you will receive your rental license.

Review the City of Allentown Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance Code and these Common Code Violations to assist you in preparing for your inspection.

Residential rental licenses must be renewed annually and are valid within the calendar year they are issued. Owners will receive an annual bill to renew their license payable on or before December 31st each year. Rental license renewal fees are $75 per unit. Late fees apply.

All rental property owners must post this Owner and Occupant Duties document in every residential unit.
 

Pre-Sales Inspections

Prior to transferring title, all residential properties must be inspected for compliance with the standards for basic safety and maintenance according to the City of Allentown Property Rehabilitation and Maintenance Code and the allowable use designation according to the City of Allentown Zoning Ordinance.

When you put property on the market:

• If you are selling your property, follow the Pre-Sale Inspection Procedure, found in the right column of this page.
• The first step is to complete and submit a Request a Pre-Sales Inspection form (found to the right). Residential Property Inspections will contact you to schedule an inspection. If your property passes the inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance, which you will need prior to settlement. If the Housing Inspector identifies housing code violations, you must fix the violations prior to selling your property unless the buyer agrees to fix the code violations.
• If the buyer agrees to fix the code violations identified during the pre-sales inspection, complete and submit the Acceptance Form.

When you settle on your property:

• You or your real estate agent must complete and submit a Buyer's Inspection Report within three (3) days of settlement.

Complaints

Contact Residential Property Inspections, at 610-437-7694 or 610-437-7695, if you would like to register a complaint about a property. An inspector will follow up on the complaint.

Disruptive Conduct Reports

Disruptive Conduct Reports (DCRs) are issued by the Police Department of other public officers to tenants whose behavior disturbs the peace of others in their premises. Three DCRs within one (1) year will result in eviction.