What should Princeton hosts know about strict 36-month phase-out for non-primary?

Strict 36-month phase-out for non-primary residence rentals (ending late 2028).

What are the key requirements for Princeton hosts?

A designated representative must be available 24/7 and respond to complaints within 2 hours.

What should Princeton hosts know about the 3% local tax is?

The 3% local tax is in addition to the 11.625% state taxes.

Are there rental limits in Princeton?

Maximum stay is limited to 29 consecutive days; 30+ days requires long-term registration.

Princeton

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

New JerseyLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Princeton requires all short-term rentals to be the operator's primary residence, obtain an annual permit, and pay a 3% local occupancy tax.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Strict night cap: 60 nights/year
•Standard permit fee: $200
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To rent your home in Princeton for less than 30 days, it must be your primary residence. You need to apply for a permit, pay an initial fee of $200, and pass an annual safety inspection. Non-primary residence rentals are being phased out and will be completely prohibited by late 2028.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

60/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,250

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Princeton allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Attached Dwelling, Two-family (if one is primary), Multi-family (up to 2 units if one is primary), ADU (if primary home is operator's residence).

Requirements(13)

•Princeton: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Princeton requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Office of Rental Housing Inspections. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Princeton: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(8)

•Princeton STR permit - Step 1: Verify Principal Residence Eligibility. Ensure the property is your principal residence and gather proof of residency (License, Tax Return, Bank Statements). Required documents: NJ Driver's License, Federal 1040. Time: 1-3 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Princeton charges a registration fee of $200 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 (Renewal fee is $100).

Taxes(3)

•Princeton charges a Municipal Occupancy Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms like Airbnb generally remit the 3% local tax automatically.
•Princeton: The 3% local tax is in addition to the 11.625% state taxes.
•New Jersey has a state sales tax of 0.06625% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Princeton limits STRs to 60 nights per year. This applies to unhosted rentals.
•Princeton: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Princeton: Maximum stay is limited to 29 consecutive days; 30+ days requires long-term registration.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Princeton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 8.5x11 placard posted on interior of front door, 24/7 emergency contact available to respond within 2 hours, Proper waste disposal compliance.

Penalties(3)

•Princeton: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Princeton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Up to $1,250 fine. Second offense: Daily fine of up to $1,250. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: 1250. Maximum fine: 1250. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(3)

•Princeton exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Dormitories, Bed and Breakfasts, Housing owned by educational institutions.
•Princeton: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.

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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 New Jersey Markets

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

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

Jersey City

New Jersey

Prohibited

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.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Princeton

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Princeton

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 Princeton?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Princeton?

3Are there rental night limits in Princeton?

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

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