What should Newark hosts know about transient use (str) is currently?

Transient use (STR) is currently not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential districts (RH, RT, RS, RE), which city officials have interpreted as a prohibition.

What are the key requirements for Newark hosts?

The 3% City Lodging Tax must be manually remitted monthly; booking platforms typically do not collect this local tax for Newark.

Are there rental limits in Newark?

Strict occupancy limits (maximum 3 unrelated persons) are aggressively enforced due to the proximity of the University of Delaware.

Are there rental limits in Newark?

A new 4.5% State STR tax became effective January 1, 2025, for stays under 31 nights.

Newark, DE Short-Term Rental Regulations: Permit & Tax Guide

Baseline Verification

100%

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Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals are currently not explicitly permitted in Newark's residential zoning districts, though the city requires a general rental permit for all leased properties.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 6 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $234
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

While the City of Newark does not have a specific 'Short-Term Rental' ordinance, it requires all rental properties to obtain an annual Rental Permit and pass safety inspections. Host-present rentals of up to two rooms are permitted without a permit, but renting an entire home for less than 31 days is technically not an explicitly allowed use under current residential zoning. Operators must also collect a combined 7.5% in state and local taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$234

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Transient use (STR) is currently not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential districts (RH, RT, RS, RE), which city officials have interpreted as a prohibition.
2.The 3% City Lodging Tax must be manually remitted monthly; booking platforms typically do not collect this local tax for Newark.
3.Strict occupancy limits (maximum 3 unrelated persons) are aggressively enforced due to the proximity of the University of Delaware.
4.A new 4.5% State STR tax became effective January 1, 2025, for stays under 31 nights.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Newark: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Newark does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Newark does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Newark: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(9)

•Newark STR warning: The 3% City Lodging Tax must be manually remitted monthly; booking platforms typically do not collect this local tax for Newark.
•Newark STR warning: A new 4.5% State STR tax became effective January 1, 2025, for stays under 31 nights.
•Newark: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.

Application Process(9)

•Newark: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Rental License Application, Proof of Ownership, Business License, Emergency Contact Info.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Newark charges a registration fee of $234 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $5 (A $5 technology fee is assessed per permit.).

Taxes(2)

•Newark: The 3% City Lodging Tax must be manually remitted monthly; booking platforms typically do not collect this local tax for Newark.
•Newark charges a Lodging Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Operators must remit the 3% City Lodging Tax directly to the Newark Finance Department using monthly vouchers.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Newark limits STRs to a maximum of 4 guests. Formula: Maximum of 3 unrelated persons in single-family zones; 4 in multi-family zones.
•Newark limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Newark occupancy calculation: Maximum of 3 unrelated persons in single-family zones; 4 in multi-family zones.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Newark requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual exterior inspection, Voluntary interior inspection, Adequate off-street parking.

Penalties(2)

•Newark enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code section. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Possible permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Newark: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Newark exempts the following from STR regulations: hosted rentals (where host is present), long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Owner-occupants with 2 or fewer roomers do not need a permit, Stays arranged directly by owner for < 10 nights/year at below market rates (State tax exemption).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Delaware Markets

Dewey Beach

Delaware

Moderate

The Town of Dewey Beach requires all short-term rental properties (stays under 120 days) to obtain an annual Rental Business License and pay a 3.0% Accommodations Tax. While there are no strict night caps or primary residence requirements, hosts must comply with noise ordinances and display local contact information for emergencies.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

Dover

Delaware

Prohibited

Dover restricts short-term rentals to an owner's primary residence for a maximum of 30 days per year.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Lewes

Delaware

Moderate

The City of Lewes requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license and pay a 5% local accommodation tax. Regulations established in 2022 mandate a local 24/7 contact person and strict occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rehoboth Beach

Delaware

Moderate

Short-term rentals in the City of Rehoboth Beach are strictly regulated and require both a state and local rental license. The city imposes a 7% accommodations tax that must be remitted quarterly by the host, as platforms do not collect this tax automatically.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Newark

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(9)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Dewey Beach

Dover

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Newark

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Newark?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Newark?

3Are there rental night limits in Newark?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Newark?

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Dewey Beach

Dover

Lewes

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