Cheswick to tighten regulations for rental properties to stave off issues before they start

Cheswick officials are hoping to nip issues with rental properties in the borough before they start.

Council is considering a proposal that tightens rules for rental units and requires landlords to license their rental properties through the borough.

The proposed regulations, according to Councilwoman Shawna Almes, are in response to concerns raised by residents regarding short-term rentals, out-of-town or out-of-state landlords and limited maintenance with properties.

The proposal would require a local point of contact for landlords or companies who operate a rental property. They also would need to apply for a rental occupancy license from the borough. Properties could be subject to periodic inspection by the borough’s code enforcement officer or another borough official.

It also authorizes the Allegheny Valley Regional police to investigate alleged disruptive conduct at those properties.

“I do believe that in this ordinance, we really stressed maintaining residents’ personal property rights, while also addressing legitimate concerns,” Almes said.

Ultimately, it aims to protect the quality of life for residents, council President Brad Yaksich said.

“The goal is to protect our residents — and that we don’t have a nuisance rental,” Yaksich said.

Cheswick has about 100 rental properties, according to Jaime Varshine, borough secretary.

“It was what we can do to protect our properties while also respecting private property rights,” Almes said.

Council will consider approving the proposal during its Dec. 10 meeting.

“All feedback received has been positive,” Almes said. “People wanted this, and that’s why it was started. The community has been very responsive.”

According to state case law, because short-term rentals — commonly known as Airbnbs or Vrbo — are not included in the proposed ordinance or in the borough’s zoning ordinance, they are not allowed in Cheswick, Almes said.

If the proposal is approved, council will look into possibly adjusting the borough’s zoning ordinance “to further explore the short-term rental concern,” Almes said.

Yaksich said he was unaware of any current issues with rental properties, “but we owe it to the people here that they’re regulated, inspected and looked after.”

“All communities across the commonwealth are struggling with Airbnbs or properties being purchased by companies, so we decided to be proactive and tighten up our ordinance,” he said.