What to Expect as a First-Time Landlord in the Poconos

TLDR: First-time landlords in the Poconos should prepare for local registration, higher maintenance, thorough tenant screening, on-call duties, and seasonal repairs. Success comes from treating rental properties like a business instead of a hobby, and from investing in strong systems. This is especially important if you live out of state.

Being a first-time landlord in the Poconos is much more than listing your property and collecting rent. It means learning how to navigate township rules, managing local tenant expectations, and preparing for year-round property care in a seasonal and unpredictable mountain market.

We manage over 150 long-term rentals in Monroe County and nearby towns. Here are the real lessons and surprises that matter most for new landlords.

Know the Township You Are In Before Listing

Zoning and inspection requirements differ by township. Some areas require landlord registration, annual inspections, or occupancy certificates before you can legally lease your unit.

Examples of local rules:

• Stroud Township: Landlord registration and rental inspections required

• Middle Smithfield Township: License and regular property inspections mandatory

• Some boroughs (East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono) require property inspection before a CO is granted

Other areas may have less formal oversight, but due diligence is essential.

Jeremiah’s Take: Landlords have been fined for skipping registration or ignoring HOA bylaws, especially if they buy a property with “grandfathered” tenants. Always check with the township and confirm your paperwork before listing.

Budget for Maintenance, Not Just the Mortgage

New landlords usually underestimate true operating costs in the Poconos.

Recurring expenses include:

• HVAC service calls

• Well and septic maintenance

• Snow removal and driveway repairs

• Roof leaks and gutter issues after storms

• HOA maintenance or inspection fees

Reality Check: If your long-term rental nets $400 per month but you skip budgeting for a $1,200 well repair, your entire year’s profit could disappear.

Screening Tenants Takes Time and Proven Systems

Long-term tenants can stay for years, and the wrong pick is not easy (or cheap) to remove.

Smart screening should include:

• Full background and eviction checks

• Income and employment verification

• Local references and prior landlord checks

• In-person interviews or video walkthroughs

• A solid lease reviewed by a PA landlord-tenant attorney

Jeremiah’s Take: Rushed placements have cost first-time landlords more than a year’s rent. A robust system pays for itself every time.

Rent Collection and Enforcement: Have a System

Consistency matters for both landlords and tenants.

Common rookie mistakes:

• No written rent due date or grace period

• Accepting partial payments without documentation

• Allowing “slides” and blurring expectations

Use a digital rent system (like AppFolio) and document all communications. Clean records are critical if eviction ever becomes necessary.

You Are On Call, Even If You Wish You Weren’t

LTRs have less turnover than STRs but still require rapid response.

Common emergencies:

• Frozen pipes in the middle of the night

• Power or HVAC failures during winter

• Tenant lockouts

• Emergency snow or tree removal

Jeremiah’s Take: When a water heater fails during a blizzard and a family is stuck, being local or having a 24/7 maintenance team makes all the difference.

Seasonal Preparation Is a Must in the Poconos

Each season comes with a property checklist.

Key tasks include:

• Fall: Clean gutters, shut exterior water lines

• Winter: Salt driveways, prep for snow, seal drafts

• Spring: Roof checks, septic, tree trimming

• Summer: AC service, pest control, landscaping

Skipping seasonal prep leads to damage, upset tenants, and costly repairs.

LTR Tenants Are Primarily Local, Not Vacationers

Most renters are year-round residents.

• Rents need to match local household incomes

• You can expect stability and more regulation (especially inspections)

• These are workforce families and couples, not luxury or secondary homeowners

Jeremiah’s Take: The $900 to $2,000 rent range is common for stable, functional, and well-managed homes.

The Bottom Line: Treat It Like a Business, Not a Side Hustle

Long-term rentals need systems, backups, and local support to deliver steady income and appreciation. Without this, even one unit can become a major source of stress.

Thinking About Renting Your First Property?

We manage 150+ units in Monroe County and nearby. Our team offers leasing, maintenance, accounting, and tenant support. If you want a hands-off, responsive experience, let’s discuss whether DIY or management is the right fit for you.

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About the Author

Jeremiah Noll is the founder of Galvanized Management, a fully licensed property management brokerage based in the Poconos. A former math teacher turned real estate investor, he built his company from firsthand experience managing rentals, flips, and township compliance. Today, Galvanized Management oversees more than 175 short-term and long-term rentals with a trusted in-house team.

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Reviews & Testimonials

We manage short and long-term rentals across the Poconos and help owners protect ROI, stay compliant, and improve guest experience. Read more client testimonials.

“Jeremiah and his team at Galvanized Management are amazing!! I recently purchased a short-term rental in the Poconos and he was so helpful in getting us up and running quickly - we could not have done it without him! From house repairs to guest management his team is responsive, reliable and thorough. We do not live in the area and it has been such a comfort knowing we have Jeremiah as a local partner - HIGHLY recommend his services!”

-Simon Hong

“They have been managing my properties for over a year and everything is running smoothly. The team is great.”

-Alan Reed

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FAQ: First-Time Landlords in the Poconos

Do I need a license to rent my house in Monroe County, Pennsylvania?

It depends on the township. Stroud, Middle Smithfield, Barrett, and Coolbaugh all require some form of landlord registration, approval, or inspection. Call your local zoning office before listing to be sure.

How much rent can I charge for a typical long-term rental in the Poconos?

Most LTRs in the Poconos rent between $900 and $2,000 per month depending on size, neighborhood, and condition. Higher rents are found around East Stroudsburg and upgraded properties.

What is the biggest mistake first-time landlords make in the Poconos?

Rushing through tenant screening. Too many skip full background and income checks. Then they face months of lost rent and legal delay.

Do I need to register my rental property with Monroe County or just the township?

No county-wide registry exists, but multiple townships (Stroud, Middle Smithfield, Barrett, Tunkhannock) now enforce registration and inspection rules.

Can I manage a Poconos rental if I live out of state?

It is possible, but you need a local plan for repairs, snow, communication, and emergencies. Remote landlords often need a professional manager after their first Poconos winter.

What seasonal maintenance is required on a long term rental property in the Poconos?

Every season brings new tasks:

• Fall: Gutters and leaves

• Winter: Snow, driveways, pipe freezing

• Spring: Roof, septic, trees

• Summer: AC, pest control, lawnMiss these, and you risk costlier issues and tenant complaints.

What kind of tenants usually rent in the Poconos?

Primarily local families, workers, couples, and residents who need stable rentals. They are not tourists or weekenders.

How do I legally screen tenants in Pennsylvania?

Screen all applicants with credit, income, background, and rental history. Apply criteria equally to comply with Fair Housing. Written workflow and lease are required.

Is it better to have a long term rental or an Airbnb in Monroe County?

It depends on your risk, cost, and time. STRs may gross more, but LTR offers consistent returns and less drama if you place tenants wisely.

What happens if my tenant stops paying rent?

You must use the official eviction process—notice to quit, hearing, and order of possession—which often takes 45 to 90 days. Solid screening makes this much less likely.

Should I allow pets in my Poconos rental?

Most tenants expect some flexibility on pets. Set clear lease rules for deposits, liability, and cleaning.

What taxes or fees do landlords pay in the Poconos?

Expect to pay all local school, municipal, and county taxes. Some townships also charge annual inspection or registry fees.

Is a property manager worth it for just one unit?

If you want hands-off income and on-call support, yes. One property can still become a full-time job when emergencies hit.