Newark, New Jersey Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Newark regulates short-term rentals. Short-term rental is defined as the accessory use of a dwelling unit for occupancy by someone other than the unit's owner or permanent resident for a period of 28 or less consecutive days, 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 rentals are only permitted in the following property types in Jersey City: 

• Condominium units, where the Condominium Association Bylaws or Master Deed permit a short-term rental and where the unit's owner legally identifies the address as their principal residence.
• Individually or collectively owned single-family residences, which one of the owners legally identifies as the address of their principal residence.
• One unit is within a two-family residential dwelling, where the other unit is occupied by the owner and identified by the owner as their principal residence.
• Units in any multifamily residential dwelling, where one other unit in the same dwelling is occupied by the owner and identified by the owner as their principal residence.
• No more than two rooms within a single-family residential dwelling unit, where the rooms share a common kitchen and bathroom facilities with the occupant of the dwelling unit, and the remainder of the single-family dwelling unit is occupied by the owner and is identified by the owner as their principal residence.

If the property is owned by an entity other than an individual or individuals, at least one principal or member of the entity must live in the STRP or in the principal residential unit with which the STRP is associated on the same lot and identify the same as their principal residence. Consult the Chapter 18:4 Short-Term Rental Ordinance of Newark City for more information. 

Business License Requirements

Short-term rental property shall obtain a short-term rental permit from the City of Newark Department of Engineering before renting or advertising for rent any short-term rental. The following are also needed if applicable:

• For a condominium short-term rental permit application, a letter of approval by the Condominium Association must be submitted with the application.
• A Zoning Compliance Certificate, which states that the premises are not being occupied or used in violation of the City's Land Use Regulations and Zoning Ordinance, shall be required.
• Proof of the owner's current ownership of the short-term rental unit.
• Proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000.
• Written certifications from the short-term rental property agent and responsible party that they agree to perform all of the respective duties.

Building and Housing Standards

Newark City has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Every application for a short-term rental permit shall require annual inspections for the STRP's compliance with the City's fire safety regulations and property maintenance code. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Contact Newark City The Department of Engineering for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

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.

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 actually 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 Newark City for more information.