Frequently Asked Questions About Owning a Rental Property in the Poconos

TLDR:Renting in the Poconos means knowing local township rules, unique utility setups, screening expectations, and true costs. Most homes rent for $900 to $3,000 per month plus utilities and are leased unfurnished. STRs require permits and strict compliance. Both tenants and out-of-state landlords succeed when they have local support and clear, fair agreements.

Renting in the Poconos means more than picking a price or signing a lease. Every township in Monroe County has its own quirks, from snow removal to STR permits to septic issues.

At Galvanized Management, we have managed over 175 homes here. That includes long-term, Airbnbs, and everything between. Here are the real answers to what new tenants and rental owners ask every week.

How much does it cost to rent a house in the Poconos?

Most long-term rentals in the Poconos run from $900 to $3,000 per month. The range depends on township, square footage, home updates, and whether the property falls under an HOA. Expect the higher end around East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, and Tannersville, where amenities and commuting demand drive more competition.

Are utilities usually included in rental homes?

Rarely. Tenants generally cover electric, heat (electric, propane, or oil), trash, water, and sometimes septic pump-outs. Some HOAs will include trash, water, or snow service, but fully utilities-included leases are not standard in Monroe County.

What credit and income do you need to rent in the Poconos?

Most landlords in the Poconos look for a credit score above 600, income at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent, no recent evictions, and clean references. Credit history is only part of the decision. We have approved tenants with lower scores but strong income and rental history. Screening looks at the full picture, not just a number.

Can you Airbnb your house in the Poconos?

Only in areas where STRs are legal and registered. Many townships, such as Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock, and Tobyhanna, require you to get STR permits, pass inspections, and sometimes meet occupancy limits. Before buying or listing, call the township or HOA directly. Rules change fast, and fines for unlicensed STRs are common.

What should tenants expect day-to-day?

Most rentals in the Poconos mean managing trash days, shoveling snow, and learning how to use well and septic systems. Winter heating with propane or oil gets expensive. Internet can be slow in rural pockets. Landlords expect basic property care and quick notice for needed repairs. If you do not know how a system works, ask. Local managers would rather explain than fix a preventable problem later.

Are Pocono rentals furnished?

Long-term rentals (a year or more) are almost never furnished. If you rent for vacation or by the week, it will be. Full-time housing means you should expect to furnish your home yourself, even if the listing photos show extra furniture.

How does the rental application process work for tenants in the Poconos?

Fill out a secure rental application and upload income and ID for verification. If you qualify, schedule a walk-through. We run credit, background, and reference checks for all adults. All leases can be reviewed and signed online for speed and clarity. Application fees are never charged upfront. Approvals or denials come with clear communication.

Can out-of-state owners rent out a Poconos home?

Yes, but only with local systems in place. We manage hundreds of homes for absentee owners by handling screening, emergency repairs, inspections, snow removal, and tenant communications without owners having to be on call or in the state. Trying to self-manage from a distance without a team leads to trouble more often than not.

What utilities am I responsible for as a tenant here?

You will likely pay for electric (PPL or Met-Ed), heating fuel (propane, oil, electric), water and sewer (or manage pump-outs for a well or septic system), and trash service if not included by the HOA. Always ask for a full list when you sign a lease. There are rarely surprises if you do.

Do you need a local emergency contact to rent out a home?

For LTRs, having a local emergency contact is wise, but in most Poconos townships it is not required like for STRs. Still, the reality is that a contact who knows your systems and can respond any time is a safety net that saves you headaches and protects tenants. For STRs, having a local manager or contact is a must.

Are there hidden costs to renting in the region?

Yes, and they add up. Heating a home through a Poconos winter with oil or propane pushes many budgets. HOAs can fine for missed trash days. Septic backups from misuse are costly, as are snow plowing and landscaping if not in your lease. Ask for details before you move in, not after.

Where can I find well-managed homes to rent out in the Poconos?

We lease homes across Monroe County. That includes Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Tobyhanna, and Penn Forest. Every Galvanized property is move-in ready, kept up by full-time local crews, and documented for safety and compliance. Browse our current listings or ask to get on our list. You will always speak to a real team member.

Need Help Renting or Renting Out a Home in the Poconos?

We connect qualified tenants with responsive, well-managed rentals and help property owners stay compliant, filled, and stress-free. Whether you are moving locally, relocating for work, or investing in Monroe County, talk to us first. We will share what works in this market, what to avoid, and how to keep your rental experience positive.

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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 entire team handle all aspects of property management cleaning, maintenance, plowing, etc. for our growing short-term rental business and have been truly incredible to work with. Without their reliability and breadth of capabilities, we would not be able to deliver amazing service to our guests and continue to grow our business. Cannot recommend them enough!”

-Stay Booked

“Jeremiah and his team do an amazing job with my Short Term Rental Property. The communication is great and I always get a prompt response. His team is the complete package and will get you whatever you need in a time crunch—from weird guest requests (extra fridge!) to genuine issues in the Poconos (power outage in mid-winter)! Would give more stars if I could.”

-Maya Moh