Lower Merion Township’s board of commissioners approved an 8% property tax increase in its 2026 budget, a change that will add to municipal cost obligations for owners and property managers overseeing rental housing. The decision follows a period of stagnant township tax revenue from 2011 to 2024 and comes after a 6.5% increase in 2025.
Lower Merion Township Approves 8% Property Tax Increase
The township’s 2026 budget includes an 8% levy on property taxes after commissioners rejected an initially proposed 9.5% hike. Officials acknowledged the increase could cause sticker shock among taxpayers and property owners. The 8% rate is the primary municipal change affecting tax expense lines for managed properties in the township for 2026.
Montgomery County and Local Municipal Fee Changes
Montgomery County recently enacted a 4% tax increase that will be levied alongside the township increase. Narberth borough approved a higher earned income tax, raising the EIT from 0.75% this year to 1% in 2026, and adjusted solid waste and sewer charges in its budget. These county and borough actions compound municipal cost increases for properties operating across jurisdictional boundaries.
Operational Budgeting Implications for Property Managers and Owners
The combined township, county, and borough levies will increase annual municipal obligations recorded on operating budgets for managed properties. Owners and operators will need to reflect the new tax rates and municipal charges in 2026 financial forecasts and in accounting for property-level tax expense. The layered increases affect cash flow assumptions and reserve planning for rental housing operations.
Maintenance, Collection Schedules, and Service Fees
The township announced altered trash and recycling pickup dates for holiday periods and released a 2026 collection schedule that details regular service dates. Narberth’s budget sets a flat $250 solid waste fee per living unit for condos and apartments and raises sewer fees from $5.25 to $6 per 1,000 gallons. Changes to service fees and schedules will affect vendor coordination and the timing of maintenance activities for managed properties.
Recordkeeping and Compliance Steps for Managed Properties
Municipal budgets and published schedules provide the official documentation of the new rates and service changes that owners and property managers must record in 2026 files. The adjustments create additional municipal line items to monitor for accounting and municipal reporting tied to managed properties. Tracking the combined tax and fee changes across township, county, and borough jurisdictions will be necessary for accurate year-end financial reporting and operational budgeting.
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