Elizabeth, New Jersey Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Elizabeth Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Elizabeth regulates the use of short-term rentals. "Short-term rental" (or "STR") shall mean the accessory use of a dwelling unit for occupancy by someone other than the unit's owner or permanent resident for a period of not more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive nights, which dwelling unit is regularly used and kept open as such for the lodging of guests, and which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to transient occupants. Short-term rental must be owner-occupied. The primary occupant of all short-term rentals executing the agreement between the owner and the occupant must be over the age of twenty-one (21) and the party who will occupy the property during the term of the short-term rental. For more details, see Chapter 5.90 - SHORT-TERM RENTALS of the OrdinanceBusiness License Requirements
The owner of a short-term rental property shall obtain a short-term rental permit from the city bureau of central licensingBuilding and Housing Standards
Elizabeth has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Bureau of Construction for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county lawOther Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Elizabeth for more informationIs something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.3
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Competition
3.8 -
Real Estate Cost
5.5 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
8.5 -
Rental Rates
4.9
Elizabeth, New Jersey Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 137,298
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Union
- Airports
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Teterboro Airport (TEB)
Want to learn more about Elizabeth?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Elizabeth rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Elizabeth rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Elizabeth.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Elizabeth guests.
Interested in other New Jersey cities?
Check out the New Jersey short term rental regulations directory
What makes Elizabeth a great place to invest?
- Rich in History and Culture: Elizabeth, New Jersey, boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to its founding in 1664. The city is home to many well-preserved landmarks, such as the Boxwood Hall State Historic Site, which once hosted George Washington, and the First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, dating back to the late 17th century. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing the area's history and artistic talent.
- Captivating Waterfront: Elizabeth's waterfront along Arthur Kill and the Newark Bay offers stunning views and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Elizabeth River Trail is a picturesque walking and biking path that takes visitors along the river's edge, providing excellent views of the surrounding natural beauty. Additionally, the Marina at the Peninsula provides boating enthusiasts with access to the water and a lovely spot to take in the scenery.
- Unique Shopping Experiences: Elizabeth is renowned for its shopping scene, particularly the famous Jersey Gardens Mall. This massive outlet mall, the largest in New Jersey, features over 200 stores and attracts visitors seeking high-quality items at discounted prices. The city's downtown district also boasts a diverse array of local boutiques, specialty stores, and dining options, offering an authentic taste of Elizabeth's lively atmosphere.
- Accessible Outdoor Adventures: Elizabeth is home to several parks and green spaces, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and reconnecting with nature. Warinanco Park, designed by the same landscape architect behind New York City's Central Park, offers an array of recreational facilities, including sports fields, playgrounds, and a picturesque lake for boating and fishing. The nearby Watchung Reservation, a sprawling nature reserve, provides miles of hiking and biking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Proximity to Major Attractions: Elizabeth's strategic location provides visitors with easy access to the greater New York City metropolitan area. Just a short drive or train ride away, visitors can explore iconic attractions such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway shows. Additionally, Newark Liberty International Airport is located within the city limits, making Elizabeth a convenient base for travelers arriving in or departing from the region.
Elizabeth Nearby Cities
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2 miles away
- Rating: 5.3
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4 miles away
- Rating: 5.7
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Elizabeth?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Elizabeth has increased 6% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $318, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$519,966
6% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$318
3% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,235
6% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Elizabeth
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Elizabeth, New Jersey
Common terms for Elizabeth short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Elizabeth has a description approximately 1,007 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 4,766 listings in Elizabeth, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are NYC, Place, Comfortable, Spacious, Easy, Newark Airport, Perfect, Jersey City, Cozy, and Car.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Elizabeth?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Elizabeth involve going to the City Centre, Outlet Shopping, Museums, Adventure Activities, and the Zoo. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Outlet Shopping
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Museums
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Adventure Activities
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Zoo
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Health Spa
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Water Parks
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Theme Parks
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Cycling
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Boating
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Marina
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Ice Skating
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Elizabeth, including Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, Manhattan Cruise Terminal, and Rockefeller Center. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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National September 11 Memorial
Included on 56% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Battery Park
Included on 56% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Prudential Center
Included on 51% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Manhattan Cruise Terminal
Included on 48% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Times Square
Included on 45% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Broadway
Included on 44% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Bryant Park
Included on 43% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Rockefeller Center
Included on 42% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Central Park
Included on 41% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Barclays Center Brooklyn
Included on 39% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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One World Trade Center
Included on 37% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Cape Liberty Cruise Port
Included on 36% of listings
What’s the weather like in Elizabeth, New Jersey?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 64°, while the average low is about 48°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 40 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 18 inches per year. The humidity levels in Elizabeth are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
29° Low 43° High
Spring
March through May
46° Low 63° High
Summer
June through August
68° Low 84° High
Fall
September through November
51° Low 66° High
Cities Near Elizabeth
Elizabeth, New Jersey, is located in Union County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
