Mayor Ed Gainey Provides Update on Voluntary Registration Period for Residential Housing Rental Registration Program

Following a brief hearing on December 2, 2024, a Judge reviewed the City’s plans to open the program to voluntary registrants. The Court’s Order allowed the City to proceed with its registration efforts and required no action other than enforcement. The City is fully in compliance with the Order issued by the Court. 

“As Pittsburgh transitions to a majority-renter city, it is more important than ever that we take proactive measures to ensure that every resident has access to safe, healthy, and well-maintained housing,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “The Residential Housing Rental Registration Program is a critical step in holding landlords accountable while supporting responsible property owners. This initiative is about fairness for both tenants and landlords, and I am committed to ensuring its effective and equitable implementation.” 

To date, the City has received 130 voluntary applications from property owners, including out-of-state landlords, who are seeking to register their rental properties. This early phase has demonstrated that many of the properties involved are owned by individuals residing outside of Pennsylvania. However, these landlords recognize the value of joining the program, which provides them with guidance on meeting the safety standards required for their properties. 

Managed by the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), the program will enable the systematic registration and inspection of residential rental properties to ensure that all tenants and visitors in Pittsburgh live in safe, permitted spaces. The registration process will also extend to short-term rental properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. PLI inspections will verify compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code, which sets minimum standards for reasonable safety and livability levels. Additionally, rental units must meet basic standards for habitability, including functioning heat, electricity, and running water. 

Of the 130 properties for which applications have been received,13 have already scheduled and received inspections. For the remaining units, the property owners have 90 days from the date PLI approves the application to choose their own inspection date; if they do not choose an inspection date by that time, PLI will contact the applicant to schedule the inspection to ensure access.  

Of the units already inspected, five have passed inspection and received a rental permit, while 7 remain in the inspection process. Of units that did not pass initial inspection, the most common issue was non-compliant flexible dryer vents, which create risks for fire, mold, and dryer malfunction. Minimizing these risks with a code-compliant rigid vent is a simple fix that typically costs less than $100 for materials.  

“Rental registration is vital to ensure that all Pittsburgh residents have access to housing that is safe and healthy,” Mayor Gainey continued. “Proactive inspections for safety and basic habitability will allow us to address issues, such as a lack of heat, before they become safety issues like we’ve seen this winter. I’m proud of the hard work and partnership it has taken to reach this milestone.” 

Key Program Details: 

• Voluntary Period: Property owners may voluntarily register their rental units through June 1, 2025. After this date, PLI will begin enforcement actions for properties that do not hold a valid rental permit. 

• How to Register: Property owners or their agents can register rental units through the OneStopPGH portal (onestoppgh.pittsburghpa.gov) or in person at the OneStopPGH counter located at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, first floor. A draft inspection checklist is available through PLI to assist property owners in the registration process. 

For more information or to register a rental property, please visit the OneStopPGH portal or contact PLI directly.