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Susquehanna Township staff introduce rental registration ordinance; manager says goal is tenant protection
Summary
Staff presented a draft rental registration ordinance and said it would focus on traditional rentals (not short‑term rentals); Township Manager Theresa Eberly said the program aims to protect tenants and improve safety while a fee and inspection details are still under development.
Susquehanna Township planning staff on March 23 introduced a draft rental registration ordinance and described how the program would be administered if the commission and supervisors move forward.
"We do not have a real handle on the rental properties and that it is not uncommon to have a registration process in place," Township Manager Theresa Eberly said, arguing the program would help protect tenants, increase property values and keep homes safe. "Our goal is not to be 'big brother' but to have a healthy community."
Planner and Zoning Officer Mack Breech summarized the draft ordinance and the problems staff has observed with rental housing. Breech said the draft targets traditional, long‑term rentals; a separate short‑term rental ordinance would address platforms such as Airbnb. He said the township intends to adopt a registration ordinance later this year but that details remain to be worked out.
Breech said the township will determine a registration fee (amount not specified) and that the Codes Department would oversee the program with support from other departments. He said inspection protocols are still being developed and would appear in a separate ordinance.
Commissioners asked how the township would identify rental units and how the program would be rolled out. Breech said staff plans to use sewer billing, tax records and contacts with complexes, and will conduct outreach and public information sessions to alert landlords to the new requirements.
Board members expressed concern about costs and enforcement. Brian Moore asked how the township will identify units now without a registration system; Breech replied that staff will compile existing records and perform outreach. Mitchell Kemp repeatedly raised concerns about adding costs to property owners and tenants. Commissioner Gary Rothrock questioned whether the administrative time required might outweigh fee revenue.
The planning commission did not vote on the ordinance at the meeting; staff indicated more detail will be provided in future packets as the draft ordinance is refined.
