Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Trenton?

Yes. Trenton requires Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections), and the fee is $300. 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.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Trenton?

The Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) fee in Trenton 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.

How to get a short-term rental permit in Trenton, NJ (2026)

Trenton requires Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) — the fee is $300, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.

Permit at a glance

Permit required	Yes
Permit name	Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections)
Permit fee	$300
Renewal	Annual

Step by step

1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. 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).
2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections)
Submit the Short-Term Rental Registry registration (Department of Inspections) application to Trenton and pay the $300 fee. 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.
3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Trenton. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.

STR rules change without warning.

Get an email the moment Trenton changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.

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Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Trenton before applying.

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