New Jersey Short-Term Rental Laws by City (2026)
Short-term rental rules in New Jersey are set city by city — a property that is legal to rent nightly in one town can be prohibited a few miles away. The table below covers 1 New Jersey city (1 human-verified against official sources), with each city's legal status, permit cost, and last-verified date.
Statewide short-term rental rules in New Jersey
New Jersey has no statewide short-term rental license or permit and does not preempt local regulation — the state expressly authorizes municipalities (N.J.S.A. 40:52-1(n)) to license and regulate rentals of under 175 days, and towns may permit, restrict, or effectively ban STRs. At the state level, since October 1, 2018 stays booked through a 'transient space marketplace' (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) or in a 'professionally managed unit' (owner offering 3+ units) owe 6.625% Sales Tax plus a 5% State Occupancy Fee, which platforms must collect and remit; rentals booked directly by small owners (fewer than 3 units, no marketplace) or executed offline by a licensed NJ real estate broker are exempt. A pending 2026 bill (S4453/A5172) would require owner presence during short-term stays (waivable by written agreement with the tenant) and limit properties to one rental agreement at a time. City and county rules apply on top of state law — check your local market's page.
| City | Status | Permit fee | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May | Permit required | $125 | July 13, 2026 |
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This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations change frequently — verify current requirements with each jurisdiction before operating. HOA and condo rules may prohibit short-term rentals regardless of city law.