Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Jersey City?

**Yes**, Jersey City requires a Short-Term Rental Permit to operate legally. You need to apply for this permit annually, and the application fee is $250. This permit ensures you are compliant with all local regulations and safety standards for short-term rentals in the city.

What is the TOT tax rate in Jersey City?

**6% TOT** is the current tax rate for short-term rentals in Jersey City. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city government. This tax applies to the total rental amount and helps fund city services and infrastructure.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Jersey City?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed but with significant restrictions in Jersey City. You need to live in the property as your primary residence to host. Furthermore, unhosted rentals are capped at 60 nights per year. Strict enforcement is in place to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Jersey City?

**Yes**, you must live in the property as your primary residence to legally rent it out on Airbnb in Jersey City. The city requires owner-occupancy to ensure that short-term rentals do not negatively impact the availability of long-term housing for residents. This rule is strictly enforced.

How many nights per year can I rent my property in Jersey City?

**60 nights** per year is the maximum limit for unhosted short-term rentals in Jersey City. If you are present during the stay, there is no night cap. These rules are in place to balance tourism with the needs of long-term residents and to prevent housing shortages.

Jersey City

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

New JerseyLast updated: February 10, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals in Jersey City are strictly regulated and limited to owner-occupied primary residences. Hosts are limited to unhosted rentals for a maximum of 60 nights per year unless they are present during the stay.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Strict night cap: 60 nights/year
•Standard permit fee: $250
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Jersey City, you must be the owner and live in the property as your main home. You cannot rent out an apartment you rent from someone else, and you cannot host in a building you own if it has more than 4 units. You need to apply for an annual permit that costs $250, and if you aren't staying at the house while guests are there, you can only rent it out for 60 nights per year.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

60/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

30-60 days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.No rentals allowed in rent-controlled buildings.
2.Corporate entities (LLCs) are generally prohibited from holding STR permits.
3.60-night annual cap applies to all unhosted stays.
4.Buildings with more than 4 units are ineligible for new STR permits.
5.Lead-safe certification is a mandatory prerequisite for older homes.
6.Proof of primary residence must be a government-issued ID matching the address.
7.Permit number must be clearly displayed on all platform listings.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Jersey City: Rent Control Ban: STRs are completely prohibited in any rent-controlled or rent-stabilized housing.
•Jersey City does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(18)

•Jersey City: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Jersey City: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application Process(8)

•Jersey City STR permit - Step 4: Inspections. Schedule and pass safety inspections by Housing Code Enforcement and the Fire Official. Time: 14-21 days.
•Jersey City extended permit requirement: Annual renewal fee

Fees & Costs(1)

•Jersey City charges a registration fee of $250 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $200 (Annual renewal fee).

Taxes(2)

•Jersey City charges a Hotel and Transient Accommodation Occupancy Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and other platforms are required to collect and remit the 6% tax directly to the City.
•New Jersey has a state sales tax of 6.625% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Jersey City limits stays to a maximum of 28 nights.
•Jersey City limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: Maximum of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons per unit, total not to exceed 8.
•Jersey City enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
•Jersey City: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Jersey City requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 10-year sealed battery smoke detectors required, Fire extinguisher within 10 feet of kitchen, Annual safety inspection by Fire Official and Housing Code Enforcement.

Penalties(4)

•Jersey City enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 - $2,000. Second offense: $100 - $2,000. Third offense: Potential permit revocation. Daily fine: Each night in excess of 60-day cap is a separate violation. Maximum fine: $2,000 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Jersey City: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
•Jersey City exempts the following from STR regulations: hosted rentals (where host is present), long-term rentals (30+ days), Bed and Breakfasts licensed under City Code (subject to different limits).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 3-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

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 New Jersey Markets

Long Beach Township

New Jersey

Moderate

Long Beach Township requires an annual Short-Term Rental Permit for any residential dwelling rented for 30 days or less. Hosts must comply with strict occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2, max 10) and undergo annual fire safety inspections.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Wildwood

New Jersey

Moderate

Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of Wildwood via Chapter 10-14. Hosts must obtain an annual STR permit and Mercantile License, pass fire safety inspections, and carry $500,000 in liability insurance.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

New Brunswick

New Jersey

Permissive

Short-term rentals in New Brunswick are regulated under general residential rental registration requirements governed by the city's Rent Control Office.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Asbury Park

New Jersey

Strict

Asbury Park heavily regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 13-13, requiring an annual permit and a mandatory safety inspection for every new occupancy term. Rentals are limited to 180 days per year and are strictly prohibited in rent-controlled or affordable housing units.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Jersey City

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other New Jersey Markets

Long Beach Township

Wildwood

New Brunswick

Asbury Park

Jersey City

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 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 Jersey City?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Jersey City?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Jersey City?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Jersey City?

5How many nights per year can I rent my property in Jersey City?

Related Content

Other New Jersey Markets

Long Beach Township

Wildwood

New Brunswick

Asbury Park