Short-Term Rental Laws in Trenton, NJ (2026)
Trenton allows short-term rentals (stays under 30 consecutive days) citywide, but every unit must be registered annually on the city's Short-Term Rental Registry through the Department of Inspections before it can be offered or advertised. Registration costs $300 initially with a $150 annual renewal, requires proof of property liability insurance and a floor plan, and the registration number must appear on all listings. Fines run $100-$300 per day per violation, and units with three or more violations in six months become ineligible.
Reviewed by the STR Rule Watch research team against 8 official sources. How we verify data
Trenton STR rules at a glance
| Legal status | Allowed with permit |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) |
| Permit fee | $300 |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Owner occupancy required | No |
| Primary residence only | No |
| Total occupancy taxes | ~12.63% of gross revenue |
| Insurance | Yes. The registration form must include a copy of a valid property liability insurance policy covering each short-term rental unit, and the policy must remain valid and in effect for the full term of the registration period (section 228-6K). No minimum coverage dollar amount is specified in the ordinance. |
| Enforcement | Enforced by city officials including the Trenton Police Department and the Department of Inspections (section 228-13A). Complaint-driven process: city investigates within 30 days, serves notice of violation, and owners may request a hearing within 14 days (section 228-11). The city may enter agreements with booking agents (Airbnb/Vrbo) to de-list unregistered or ineligible units; a booking agent that fails to enter such agreements 'shall be prohibited from conducting business in the City' (section 228-13B-C). Registration numbers must appear on all listings; owners must notify neighbors within 300 feet after registering, keep renter records for 3 years, and post fire-safety signage in the unit. Non-occupant-owned rental structures are inspected every 5 years under the Housing Code (section 228-9A). |
| Current rules effective | 2020-01-01 |
What will guests pay in taxes on a Trenton stay?
Itemized occupancy taxes for Trenton, NJ ā enter your nightly rate to see the real cost breakdown.
Trenton occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| New Jersey Sales Tax (6.625%)Ā· collection varies | $29.81 |
| New Jersey State Occupancy Fee (5%)Ā· collection varies | $22.50 |
| Trenton municipal occupancy tax (per STR ordinance) (1%)Ā· host remits | $4.50 |
| Total tax (12.63%) | $56.81 |
| Guest pays | $506.81 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Permits & licensing
Trenton requires Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) to operate a short-term rental ā the fee is $300, renewed annual.
Per section 228-8B, the City charges a $300 registration fee and a $150 annual renewal fee. Registrations run on a calendar-year term (Jan 1 - Dec 31) with no proration regardless of when obtained (section 228-5A). This is separate from (and in addition to) the state landlord registration required by N.J.S.A. 46:8-28 and the city's Absentee Owner Program registration for landlords who do not live on the premises.
Zoning & location rules
Chapter 228 applies citywide and does not limit short-term rentals to specific zoning districts or overlays. However, a unit is ineligible if it has any outstanding building, sanitary, zoning, or fire code violations, and registration is suspended until violations are cured (section 228-3A(5)). Ineligible categories are defined by unit type rather than zone: deed-restricted/affordable units, units barred from subleasing, units in declared nuisance properties, and units with 3+ violations in six months. Renters must comply with residential parking rules, including visitor-pass requirements, under Chapter 14 and related code sections (section 228-14B).
Taxes
| Tax | Rate | Who collects |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Sales TaxApplies to transient accommodations only if the rental is obtained through a transient space marketplace (e.g., Airbnb/Vrbo, which must collect and remit) or is a 'professionally managed unit' (owner offering 3+ units, who must register and collect). Since Aug 9, 2019, direct-by-owner rentals of 1-2 units not booked through a marketplace are exempt, as are rentals executed by a licensed NJ real estate broker with offsite key exchange. Source: NJ Division of Taxation TB-81R. | 6.625% | varies |
| New Jersey State Occupancy Fee5% statewide fee on the same transient-accommodation rentals subject to Sales Tax (marketplace-booked or professionally managed units); marketplace collects when booked through it, otherwise the owner. Trenton is not one of the reduced-rate cities (Newark, Jersey City, Atlantic City, Elizabeth, the Wildwoods), so the full 5% applies. | 5% | varies |
| Trenton municipal occupancy tax (per STR ordinance)Section 228-8A of the STR ordinance states the City 'will collect a 1% municipal occupancy tax' on short-term rentals. CAUTION: as of 2026-07-20, Trenton does NOT appear on the NJ Division of Taxation's list of municipalities that have imposed the Municipal Occupancy Tax on transient accommodations (only Princeton in Mercer County has), so state-administered collection of a municipal tax on Trenton STRs is not corroborated. Trenton's separate hotel/motel occupancy tax is 3% per the state municipal tax list, but that list applies to hotel/motel occupancies. Treat the 1% as the city-ordinance figure and verify collection mechanics with the city. | 1% | host |
Enforcement & penalties
Enforced by city officials including the Trenton Police Department and the Department of Inspections (section 228-13A). Complaint-driven process: city investigates within 30 days, serves notice of violation, and owners may request a hearing within 14 days (section 228-11). The city may enter agreements with booking agents (Airbnb/Vrbo) to de-list unregistered or ineligible units; a booking agent that fails to enter such agreements 'shall be prohibited from conducting business in the City' (section 228-13B-C). Registration numbers must appear on all listings; owners must notify neighbors within 300 feet after registering, keep renter records for 3 years, and post fire-safety signage in the unit. Non-occupant-owned rental structures are inspected every 5 years under the Housing Code (section 228-9A).
Offering an ineligible unit as a short-term rental (owner or booking agent): $300 per violation per day. Offering a unit without registering, or while registration is suspended: $100 per violation per day. Failure to comply with a notice of violation: $100 per violation per day. Each day of non-compliance is a separate violation, and the city may also seek an injunction (section 228-12). Units with three or more chapter violations, or three or more noise/trash/disorderly-conduct violations, within six months become ineligible to operate (section 228-3A(4)).
ā ļø HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
Getting legal in Trenton: the playbook
Generated from this market's verified rules ā each step traces to the sources at the bottom of this page.
- 1
Verify your zoning
Location rules apply: Chapter 228 applies citywide and does not limit short-term rentals to specific zoning districts or overlays. However, a unit is ineligible if it has any outstanding building, sanitary, zoning, or fire code violations, and registration is suspended until violations are cured (section 228-3A(5)). Ineligible categories are defined by unit type rather than zone: deed-restricted/affordable units, units barred from subleasing, units in declared nuisance properties, and units with 3+ violations in six months. Renters must comply with residential parking rules, including visitor-pass requirements, under Chapter 14 and related code sections (section 228-14B). Confirm your parcel's zoning with the city before applying.
- 2
Check the covenant layer
HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
- 3
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections)
Budget $300 (annual renewal). Per section 228-8B, the City charges a $300 registration fee and a $150 annual renewal fee. Registrations run on a calendar-year term (Jan 1 - Dec 31) with no proration regardless of when obtained (section 228-5A). This is separate from (and in addition to) the state landlord registration required by N.J.S.A. 46:8-28 and the city's Absentee Owner Program registration for landlords who do not live on the premises. Apply through the city ā the official application page is linked in the sources below.
- 4
Line up required insurance
Yes. The registration form must include a copy of a valid property liability insurance policy covering each short-term rental unit, and the policy must remain valid and in effect for the full term of the registration period (section 228-6K). No minimum coverage dollar amount is specified in the ordinance.
- 5
Set up tax collection & remittance
Platforms don't collect everything here: New Jersey Sales Tax (6.625%), New Jersey State Occupancy Fee (5%), Trenton municipal occupancy tax (per STR ordinance) (1%) are remitted by the host. Register with the taxing authority before your first booking and calendar the filing deadlines.
- 6
Calendar the renewal before you forget it
This permit renews annual (budget $300 again). Most cities take weeks to process renewals and don't send reminders ā our Host plan emails you at 60/30/7 days out.
- 7
Know the cost of getting it wrong
Offering an ineligible unit as a short-term rental (owner or booking agent): $300 per violation per day. Offering a unit without registering, or while registration is suspended: $100 per violation per day. Failure to comply with a notice of violation: $100 per violation per day. Each day of non-compliance is a separate violation, and the city may also seek an injunction (section 228-12). Units with three or more chapter violations, or three or more noise/trash/disorderly-conduct violations, within six months become ineligible to operate (section 228-3A(4)). Enforced by city officials including the Trenton Police Department and the Department of Inspections (section 228-13A). Complaint-driven process: city investigates within 30 days, serves notice of violation, and owners may request a hearing within 14 days (section 228-11). The city may enter agreements with booking agents (Airbnb/Vrbo) to de-list unregistered or ineligible units; a booking agent that fails to enter such agreements 'shall be prohibited from conducting business in the City' (section 228-13B-C). Registration numbers must appear on all listings; owners must notify neighbors within 300 feet after registering, keep renter records for 3 years, and post fire-safety signage in the unit. Non-occupant-owned rental structures are inspected every 5 years under the Housing Code (section 228-9A).
Recent rule changes in Trenton
December 5, 2019material
Ordinance 19-72 adopted creating Chapter 228, Short-Term Rentals
Trenton City Council adopted Ord. No. 19-72 on December 5, 2019, establishing the Short-Term Rental Registry, the $300/$150 fee structure, insurance and record-keeping requirements, and per-day fines. The chapter took effect January 1, 2020. No amendments to Chapter 228 were found through the code update of December 2025.
Official source ā
Frequently asked questions
āŗIs Airbnb legal in Trenton?
Yes ā Airbnb and other short-term rentals are legal in Trenton, NJ, but you must obtain a Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) before operating. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
āŗDo I need a permit for a short-term rental in Trenton?
Yes. Trenton requires a Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) to operate a short-term rental, which costs $300 and must be renewed every year. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
āŗHow much does a Trenton short-term rental permit cost?
The Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) costs $300 (annual renewal). Per section 228-8B, the City charges a $300 registration fee and a $150 annual renewal fee. Registrations run on a calendar-year term (Jan 1 - Dec 31) with no proration regardless of when obtained (section 228-5A). This is separate from (and in addition to) the state landlord registration required by N.J.S.A. 46:8-28 and the city's Absentee Owner Program registration for landlords who do not live on the premises.
āŗCan I Airbnb a non-primary residence in Trenton?
Yes ā Trenton does not limit short-term rentals to primary residences. Zoning and other restrictions may still apply. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
āŗWhat taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Trenton?
Hosts in Trenton are subject to: New Jersey Sales Tax (6.625%), New Jersey State Occupancy Fee (5%), Trenton municipal occupancy tax (per STR ordinance) (1%) ā roughly 12.63% total on gross rental revenue. Platforms like Airbnb collect some of these automatically; check each line's collection method on this page.
āŗDo I need insurance to run a short-term rental in Trenton?
Yes. The registration form must include a copy of a valid property liability insurance policy covering each short-term rental unit, and the policy must remain valid and in effect for the full term of the registration period (section 228-6K). No minimum coverage dollar amount is specified in the ordinance. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
āŗDoes Airbnb collect taxes automatically in Trenton?
No ā in Trenton hosts are responsible for registering, collecting, and remitting the listed occupancy taxes themselves. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
āŗWhat happens if I operate a short-term rental illegally in Trenton?
Offering an ineligible unit as a short-term rental (owner or booking agent): $300 per violation per day. Offering a unit without registering, or while registration is suspended: $100 per violation per day. Failure to comply with a notice of violation: $100 per violation per day. Each day of non-compliance is a separate violation, and the city may also seek an injunction (section 228-12). Units with three or more chapter violations, or three or more noise/trash/disorderly-conduct violations, within six months become ineligible to operate (section 228-3A(4)). Enforced by city officials including the Trenton Police Department and the Department of Inspections (section 228-13A). Complaint-driven process: city investigates within 30 days, serves notice of violation, and owners may request a hearing within 14 days (section 228-11). The city may enter agreements with booking agents (Airbnb/Vrbo) to de-list unregistered or ineligible units; a booking agent that fails to enter such agreements 'shall be prohibited from conducting business in the City' (section 228-13B-C). Registration numbers must appear on all listings; owners must notify neighbors within 300 feet after registering, keep renter records for 3 years, and post fire-safety signage in the unit. Non-occupant-owned rental structures are inspected every 5 years under the Housing Code (section 228-9A).
āŗWhen did Trenton's current short-term rental rules take effect?
The current ordinance took effect on January 1, 2020. See the change timeline on this page for amendments since, and the sources section for the official text.
STR rules change without warning.
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More resources
- How to get a short-term rental permit in Trenton
- Trenton short-term rental taxes explained
- Can I Airbnb in Trenton?
- All New Jersey STR laws by city
- Occupancy tax calculator
- Compare STR permit costs across cities
- STR city rankings: strictest, cheapest permits & more
- What is transient occupancy tax?
- Best STR compliance tools, compared
- Latest STR rule changes nationwide
Sources
- City of Trenton Code, Chapter 228: Short-Term Rentals (eCode360)retrieved July 20, 2026
- City of Trenton - Landlords & Tenants (Absentee Owner Program)retrieved July 20, 2026
- NJ Division of Taxation, TB-81R2: Taxes Imposed on the Rental of Transient Accommodationsretrieved July 20, 2026
- NJ Division of Taxation - Transient Accommodations FAQretrieved July 20, 2026
- NJ Division of Taxation - Municipal Occupancy Tax (hotel/motel) overviewretrieved July 20, 2026
- NJ Division of Taxation - Municipal Occupancy Tax List (hotel/motel rates by municipality)retrieved July 20, 2026
- NJ Division of Taxation - Municipalities imposing Municipal Occupancy Tax on transient accommodationsretrieved July 20, 2026
- Chapter 228 archived full text (Wayback Machine capture of eCode360, used because ecode360.com blocks automated access)retrieved July 20, 2026
This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and enforcement varies ā verify current requirements with Trenton and a qualified professional before operating.