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  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. New Jersey
  6. ·
  7. Trenton

Trenton

Prohibited
New JerseyUpdated Mar 13, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 5, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Trenton requires short-term rental owners to maintain the property as their primary residence, register annually with the Department of Inspections, and pay a 1% municipal occupancy tax.

Restriction level

Severity 96
Classification
Prohibited
96
Severity

Why this classification

  • Primary residence required
  • Owner-occupied required
  • Moderate permit fee: $300
  • Limited to 1 property per owner
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap

In plain English

What this means for you

To operate a short-term rental in Trenton, the property must be your primary home where you live at least nine months of the year. You must register annually with the City's Department of Inspections, pay an initial $300 fee, and include your registration number on all online listings. Additionally, your property will be classified as a commercial property for stormwater utility billing as long as it is listed for rent.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceRequired
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$300
Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Commercial Stormwater Billing: STR properties are reclassified as commercial for stormwater utility fees.
  2. 2Neighbor Notification: You must notify every neighbor within 300 feet after your registration is approved.
  3. 3Record Keeping: Owners must maintain records of every renter for a minimum of three years.
  4. 4Primary Residence: Renting an investment property where you do not reside is prohibited.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility9 rules
  • Trenton: Primary Residence: Renting an investment property where you do not reside is prohibited.
  • Trenton: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
  • Trenton requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Must reside in the unit for 9+ months per year.
Requirements11 rules
  • Trenton requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Registration". Apply through Department of Inspections. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.
Application process8 rules
  • Trenton: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of primary residence (Utility bill, voter registration, or driver's license), Proof of ownership, Liability insurance, Floor plan, Contact information for owner and agent.
Fees & costs3 rules
  • Trenton: Neighbor Notification: You must notify every neighbor within 300 feet after your registration is approved.
  • Trenton charges a registration fee of $300 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Annual renewal fee).
  • Trenton: Commercial Stormwater Billing: STR properties are reclassified as commercial for stormwater utility fees.
Taxes2 rules
  • New Jersey has a state sales tax of 0.06625% that applies to STR rentals.
  • Trenton charges a Municipal Occupancy Tax of 0.01%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms collect and remit the 11.625% state taxes; local tax remittance should be verified with the City Finance Department.
Limits & restrictions4 rules
  • Trenton limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
  • Trenton: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
  • Trenton occupancy calculation: Subject to Housing Code occupancy standards. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Trenton enforces quiet hours: Subject to Section 167-1 Prohibited Noises.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Trenton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Sign posted inside unit showing fire extinguisher locations and fire exits, Compliance with building, sanitary, and fire codes.
Penalties3 rules
  • Trenton: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. Income-restricted or rent-assisted housing is ineligible for STR registration.
  • Trenton: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Trenton: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Trenton exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Executive suites.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Trenton

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Confirm Primary Residence Eligibility

Ensure you occupy the unit for at least 9 months of the year and have supporting documentation (ID, utility bills).

1 dayFree
Documents needed
  • Driver's license
  • Utility bills
Official resource
Step 2

Prepare Required Documentation

Gather proof of ownership, liability insurance, and a detailed floor plan of the residential unit.

1 weekFree
Documents needed
  • Deed or Lease
  • Insurance Policy
  • Floor Plan
Step 3

Submit Registration Application

Apply through the Department of Inspections and pay the initial registration fee.

2-4 weeks$300
Documents needed
  • Completed Registration Form
Official resource
Step 4

Notify Neighbors

Within 30 days of registration approval, you must provide notice to all abutters within 300 feet of the unit.

30 daysFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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