Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Harrisburg Pennsylvania.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for 2024

Licensing and Registration

• Each short-term rental unit requires its own Short-Term Rental License, which must be renewed annually and issued in the name of the owner.
• An annual registration application is mandatory for each residential rental unit within the City of Harrisburg.

Zoning and Use

• Short-term rentals must comply with the City of Harrisburg's Zoning Ordinance and can only be operated in permitted zones.

Taxes

• Hosts are required to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes to the local government. If using a third-party booking agent, the agent may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of the host.

Safety and Health

• Properties must meet safety requirements, including the presence of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sturdy stairs.
• Compliance with state and local health code provisions, including lead-based paint hazards, is mandatory.

Occupancy Limits and Guest Behavior

• Hosts must comply with regulations related to occupancy limits, noise levels, and guest behavior to prevent disruptive conduct.

Parking

• A minimum of one parking space per bedroom must be provided for guests.

Inspections and Compliance

• Properties are subject to inspections by the Codes Bureau at reasonable times, with at least 24 hours' notice (except in emergencies).
• Owners must ensure their properties are in compliance with City codes and avoid nuisances for neighboring residents and businesses.

Contact Information

• Owners or property managers must provide the name, address, and telephone number of the responsible agent to occupants and ensure 24/7 contactability.

Business Privilege License

• Owners must obtain and renew a business privilege license on an annual basis.

Personal Use and Management

• Property owners must review the management agreement and communicate any personal use plans with the management company to avoid conflicts with existing bookings or maintenance schedules.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Define Your Property's Aesthetic

• Align your furniture and decor with the unique style of Harrisburg, considering its historic charm and local attractions. For example, a 1850s Creole townhouse style can be enhanced with antique or antique-y pieces.

Understand Your Audience

• Cater to the diverse needs of your guests, including business travelers, families, and tourists. Ensure the space is functional and comfortable for all types of visitors.

Choose Timeless and Durable Pieces

• Opt for sturdy, easy-to-clean furniture that can withstand frequent use. Avoid flimsy or high-maintenance materials like real and faux leather.

Utilize Smart Storage

• Incorporate space-saving furniture such as beds with drawers, wall hooks, pegboards in the kitchen, and stackable containers to keep the space tidy and organized.

Enhance Natural Light and Space

• Measure your rooms to optimize the layout, ensuring there is plenty of space to move around and that natural light sources are not blocked.

Select Functional and Comfortable Essentials

• Invest in a solid bed with a thick, durable mattress (at least 8 inches thick), and consider memory foam mattresses for better longevity. Use a mattress cover for added protection.
• Provide high-quality, durable towels and basic toiletries. Ensure there is ample storage for guests' personal items.

Create a Welcoming Living Area

• Choose a sofa that is durable and easy to clean. Add decorative elements like mirrors with stylish frames and plants to make the space feel bigger and brighter.

Equip the Kitchen

• Stock up on basic cookware, utensils, and dinnerware. Include items like a cutting board, measuring cups, and a corkscrew. Ensure there is sufficient storage for food and kitchen essentials.

Accommodate Working Guests

• Provide a sturdy desk, a comfortable chair, good lighting, and easy access to power outlets. High-speed internet and a Wi-Fi booster (if necessary) are crucial for business travelers and digital nomads.

Ensure Safety and Accessibility

• Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a first aid kit. Consider making your Airbnb accessible to guests with disabilities by adding features like ramps, wide doorways, and grab bars in bathrooms.

Plan Furnishing Updates Strategically

• Schedule furniture updates during the off-season or between bookings to minimize disruption to your guests. This ensures your space remains in top condition.

Add Local Touches

• Incorporate local decor and unique items that reflect Harrisburg's culture and history. This can include recommendations for local restaurants, shops, and attractions to enhance the guest experience.

Discovering Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Top Local Attractions

1. Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex

• Take a guided tour of the capitol building and admire its stunning architecture.
• Explore the surrounding complex, which includes several monuments and memorials.

2. National Civil War Museum

• Learn about the Civil War through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
• Don’t miss the largest Civil War painting on a single canvas, The Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge.

3. State Museum of Pennsylvania

• Follow Pennsylvania’s history from the dinosaur era to modern times.
• Check out the restored Marshall's Creek mastodon skeleton and the planetarium.

4. City Island

• Enjoy a variety of activities including a golf course, minor-league soccer stadium, batting cages, and walking trails.
• Take in the panoramic views of the Harrisburg skyline.

5. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

• Engage in hands-on science exhibits, watch a movie on the four-story cinema screen, or enjoy live performances.
• Explore the art gallery and competitive video gaming area.

6. Riverfront Park

• Relax in this peaceful park with stunning river views and City Island.
• Participate in outdoor activities, visit statues and memorials, and enjoy festivals and cultural events.

7. Pennsylvania National Fire Museum

• Explore historic fire engines, alarm systems, and other firefighting artifacts in a Victorian-era firehouse.
• Learn about the state’s firefighting heritage and see modern fire trucks.

8. Cathedral of Saint Patrick

• Admire the Baroque Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture of this National Historic Landmark.
• Take a stroll around the cathedral and enjoy its interior.

9. Capital Area Greenbelt

• Bike or walk the 20-mile paved trail that loops through Harrisburg.
• Stop at the Five Senses Garden and other key sightseeing points along the way.

10. Broad Street Market

- Shop for local produce, crafts, and food at one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S..

Insider Tips

• Seasonal Events: Don’t miss the Pennsylvania Farm Show and the Great American Outdoor Show, two of the largest events of their kind in the country.
• Local Cuisine: Explore the city’s dining scene, which includes a variety of local restaurants and cafes, and consider the Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail for sweet treats.
• Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the Adventure Trail for hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities in the surrounding area.
• Nightlife and Culture: Enjoy live performances at the Whitaker Center or catch a game at FNB Field on City Island.
• Deals and Savings: Download the Hershey Harrisburg Savings Pass for discounts on various attractions, restaurants, and retail locations.

By sharing these attractions and tips, you can help your guests make the most of their visit to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

To ensure the success of your short-term rental business in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about the city's noise regulations and quiet hours to avoid any potential issues. Include this information in both your digital and physical house manual to ensure compliance. Harrisburg has strict regulations, and violating them can result in fines or penalties.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important information. This manual should cover everything from how to use appliances to emergency contact numbers, ensuring guests have a smooth and hassle-free stay.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide clear instructions and photos on how to access the property, and include parking instructions to avoid any confusion. This approach enhances guest satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of issues during check-in.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a well-organized, guest-friendly, and compliant short-term rental property in Harrisburg, maximizing your rental income and guest satisfaction.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:

House Cleaning Services

Merry Maids

• Offers house cleaning, housekeeping, deep cleaning, maid service, move-in/move-out cleaning, apartment cleaning, holiday cleaning, disinfection services, and specialty cleaning services.
• Serves Harrisburg and South Central Pennsylvania.

Various Providers Listed on Care.com

• Includes multiple individual cleaners and companies with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
• Services start at $20.47/hr.

Providers Listed on HomeAdvisor

• Includes several local and family-owned cleaning services such as Claudio's cleaning service, Juan's cleaning service, and others.
• Services include maid service, janitorial services, post-construction clean-up, and more.
• Average cost ranges from $121 to $218 for a typical cleaning session.

Providers Listed on Angi

• Includes top-rated house cleaners with services varying by house size and type of cleaning needed.
• Average cost is between $30 and $50 per hour, with total costs ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the project.

The Cleaning Authority

• Specializes in house cleaning services for residents in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Elizabeth, Middletown, and surrounding areas.

These providers offer a range of cleaning services to cater to different needs and preferences in the Harrisburg area.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Management Fees: A Breakdown

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, short-term rental management fees can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive tasks such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often around 20% to 30% of the rental income.

Basic services, which may only include essential management functions, can be less expensive, potentially starting at around 10%. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements, which can further impact the overall cost of managing a short-term rental property. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to make informed decisions and maximize their rental revenue.