Jersey City, New Jersey Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

An STR is a rental of a residential dwelling, a Short-term Rental Property(“STRP”), for a period of no more than 28 consecutive days. Rentals of any residential unit where the short-term rental property owner/operator is not present are limited to sixty (60) total nights per calendar year. Short-term rentals are only permitted in the following property types in Jersey City:

• A dwelling unit located in a condominium association, homeowners association, or cooperative association, where the association’s Bylaws, Master Deed, or other relevant governing document permits STRs, and the owner of the unit legally identifies an address within the association as their principal residence.
• Individually or collectively owner-occupied single-family residences.
• Two dwelling units within a two-family residential dwelling, where one unit is owner-occupied.
• Two dwelling units in a three (3) or four (4) unit multiple dwelling, which is not a condominium or other association, where one of the other dwelling units is owner-occupied.
• No more than three rooms within an owner-occupied single-family residence operating as a bed and breakfast as defined in the City Code. (Certain occupancy limits apply to this type of STR.)

 A property renter may not apply for a short-term rental permit, nor may the renter sublease the property or any portion of it on a short-term basis or operate an STRP. Consult Chapter 255 of the Jersey City Code of Ordinance and Short-term Rentals Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Business License Requirements

Short-term rental property shall obtain a short-term rental permit from the City of Jersey City Division of Housing Preservation. A permit is required for each STR even if the STR is owned by the same owner and/or the STRs are in the same dwelling. The following is also needed STR Form Owner Affidavit, Required Certifications, and Notice to Transient Occupants.  A dwelling unit shall be limited to three short-term rental contracts at a time. 

Building and Housing Standards

Short-term rentals will be subject to inspection before a permit is issued. Jersey City 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. Visit Jersey City Construction Code for more information.  

Tourist and Local Taxes

Short-term rentals must pay to the city of the Hotel and Transient Accommodation Occupancy Tax (6%). Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the state and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by state and county law. Contact the Division of Collection for more information. 

Other Rules

In no case shall an STRP be rented to anyone under the age of twenty-one (21). All short-term rentals must have a principal occupant who is over the age of twenty-one (21) and who will occupy the property for the length of the short-term rental. 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 Jersey City for more information.