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Panelists say short‑term rentals and investor purchases are worsening the Poconos housing crunch
Summary
At an East Stroudsburg hearing, regional tourism and housing leaders told state lawmakers that unmanaged short‑term rentals and private‑equity purchases of homes and mobile‑home parks are reducing owner‑occupied inventory and increasing costs for seniors and first‑time buyers.
Members of the Housing & Community Development committee heard a sustained exchange on the effects of short‑term rentals (STRs), private‑equity purchases and the balance between tourism and resident housing in the Poconos.
Representative Tara Probst described private buyers acquiring mobile‑home parks and raising lot rents, saying the trend is displacing seniors and people with disabilities who own their homes. "Private equity is buying up mobile home parks right now... and they're jacking up the rates," she said, and noted the committee has a bill that would cap such increases.
Industry and tourism representatives acknowledged STRs' economic role but cautioned they can strain local infrastructure and services if left unregulated. Chris Barrett of the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau said tourism is central to the local economy but agreed a level regulatory playing field is needed: "Make lodging, traditional and nontraditional, on as even a playing field as you possibly can," he said.
Panelists and members discussed practical responses: clearer municipal STR rules, owner/operator education and registration, enforcement to ensure safety and inspections, and consideration of caps or targeted limits for investor purchases of critical housing stock. Tom Campbell and others urged any state policy to be pragmatic and flexible to avoid blocking legitimate build‑to‑rent or long‑term rental projects that could expand supply.
No legislative decisions were made at the hearing. Committee members said they would carry the concerns back to Harrisburg for further consideration and potential drafting of balanced policy solutions after additional stakeholder consultation.
