Ocean City

Ocean City regulates short-term rentals through its Mercantile Licensing program rather than a specific STR-branded ordinance. Hosts are required to obtain an annual Mercantile License and must comply with New Jersey's lead-safe certification laws and mandatory liability insurance requirements.

To host an Airbnb in Ocean City, you need to register for a Mercantile License with the city, which costs roughly $150 per year. You don't need to live in the home to rent it out, but you must ensure it meets fire safety standards and has a lead-safe certificate if it's an older building. Most taxes are collected automatically by Airbnb and VRBO, but you are responsible for maintaining $500,000 in liability insurance as required by New Jersey state law.