What You Need to Know About Septic Systems and Airbnb rentals in the Poconos

Buying or operating an Airbnb in the Poconos almost always means dealing with a septic system. Most homes in the region are not on public sewer, and septic maintenance, or neglect, can have a major impact on your guests, your bottom line, and your ability to pass township or HOA inspections.

Here’s what every Airbnb owner or buyer should know about septic systems in the Poconos.

Septic Systems Are Extremely Common in the Poconos

Most properties in Monroe County and surrounding areas rely on private septic systems instead of public sewer. This is true even in many HOA communities such as Arrowhead Lakes, Towamensing Trails, and Emerald Lakes.

Both townships and HOAs require septic inspections and proof of proper function when you apply for or renew an Airbnb permit. A failed inspection can delay your permit renewal or even prevent you from renting the property legally. In some cases, septic failures can delay real estate closings.

See our Poconos Airbnb permit guide for details on township requirements.

Septic System Failures Can Be Expensive

A failing septic system can easily cost $1,000–$20,000 to repair or replace.

Common signs of trouble include:

• Sewage odors near the drain field

• Slow or gurgling drains in the house

• Wet or unusually green patches of grass over the septic area

Short-term rentals can cause misuse of the septic system by guests who do not understand their restrictions. Bleach, feminine products, or a running toilet can lead to backups or permanent damage.

3. Routine Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable

For Airbnbs, septic maintenance is not optional.

Pumping: Septic tanks should be pumped every 2–3 years, depending on usage. Airbnbs with higher occupancy may need more frequent pumping. Pumping typically costs $300–$500, which should be built into your budget.

Inspection: Have the system inspected when you have it pumped so you can catch problems before they become emergencies.

Usage Education: Guests should be clearly informed about what can and cannot go down the drains (e.g., no wipes, grease, or sanitary products).

Failing to maintain your septic system can result in costly emergency calls, permit delays, and bad guest reviews.

Your Airbnb Permit Depends on a Passing Septic Inspection

Every township, and many HOAs, that issue Airbnb permits require proof that the septic system is maintained properly.

• During the initial permit application, you will need a passing septic inspection report.

• During renewals, you may be required to provide a recent inspection or proof of pumping.

• If the system fails inspection, the township or HOA can delay or deny your permit.

This is why we always verify the age, condition, and recent maintenance history of the septic system before clients buy an Airbnb.

Plan for Higher Water Usage with Airbnbs

Airbnb guests often use more water than a typical household. Hot tubs, large groups, and frequent laundry can push septic systems beyond their intended design.

If you are buying an Airbnb, confirm the system is sized appropriately for the home’s bedroom count and occupancy. Townships use bedroom count when determining Airbnb permits, so a mismatch between the septic system capacity and advertised occupancy can create compliance issues.

If your Airbnb already struggles with capacity, adding features like a jacuzzi tub or finished basements may create septic problems that impact your permit status.

The Bottom Line

Septic systems are part of life in the Poconos. They do not have to be a dealbreaker, but they do require proactive maintenance, budgeting, and guest education, especially for Airbnbs.

At Investment Real Estate of the Poconos, we help buyers and owners verify septic system health and avoid costly surprises. We coordinate inspections during the buying process and build maintenance into your Airbnb plan.

Contact us before you buy or renew your permit to confirm septic compliance and protect your investment.

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FAQ: Septic Systems and Airbnb rentals in the Poconos

Are most homes in the Poconos on septic systems? 

Yes, most homes in the Poconos, including many HOA communities, rely on private septic systems instead of public sewer. Townships and HOAs require septic inspections and proof of pumping for Airbnb permit applications and renewals, so buyers must confirm the system’s status before they close.

Do I need a septic inspection to get an Airbnb permit in the Poconos? 

Sometimes a maintenance record is ok, while in other places it must be inspected. If the system fails inspection, your permit application will be delayed or denied, and you may be required to repair or replace the system before operating legally.

How much does septic maintenance cost for a Poconos short-term rental? 

Septic tank pumping typically costs $300–$500 and should be done every 2–3 years, with more frequent pumping for Airbnbs with high occupancy. Inspections cost extra, and full system replacements can cost $20,000–$35,000. Budgeting for these costs will protect your permit status and avoid emergency repairs.

What happens if a septic system fails at a Poconos Airbnb property?  

If your septic system fails, you may face a repair or replacement cost of $1,000–$35,000 and your Airbnb permit could be suspended. Septic failures can also delay real estate closings and trigger HOA fines if the property is in a community with its own compliance requirements.

Why are septic systems harder to manage at short-term rentals? 

Airbnb guests sometimes misuse the drains with bleach or flushing non-organic matter which can strain the septic system. Large groups, frequent laundry, or a running toilet all increase water output, making regular inspections and guest education critical to avoid system damage or backups.

How can I confirm the septic system is the right size for my Airbnb property? 

You must verify the septic system’s bedroom-based design capacity with the township or HOA before you buy or apply for a permit. Townships size permits based on bedroom count, so a mismatch between septic capacity and advertised occupancy can cause compliance problems.

Who can help Poconos Airbnb owners manage septic compliance? 

Investment Real Estate of the Poconos and our sister company, Galvanized Management, can coordinate inspections, pumping, and guest education. We verify septic history before purchase and help owners maintain compliance with township and HOA requirements year after year.

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About the Author

Jeremiah Noll is a Poconos-based broker (License #RM425834) and rental operator. Through Galvanized Management and iREPoconos, he brings a practical, operations-first approach to property management and investment real estate. His goal is to make ownership easier to understand, easier to run, and harder to regret.

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Reviews & Testimonials

Straight from real clients who’ve worked with Investment Real Estate of the Poconos, from the initial buy to real-world performance after closing. Read More Reviews

“My wife and I were referred to Jeremiah through our property manager, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the connection. Selling a home from out of state can feel overwhelming, but Jeremiah immediately put our concerns at ease with his clear and consistent communication. He quickly assessed the property and connected us with trusted vendors who provided quality repairs and touch-ups at reasonable costs. Throughout the entire process, Jeremiah was always available to answer our questions and provided well-reasoned advice when evaluating offers. His guidance made it easy to understand which offers were the strongest and why. Thanks to his expertise and support, what could have been a stressful experience turned out to be smooth and successful.

We highly recommend Jeremiah to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and professional realtor.”

- David Sanoja, View on Google