Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Passaic, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Passaic adopted a short-term rental regime in February 2026 that permits STRs (stays of 28 days or fewer) only in an owner's principal residence: hosted partial-home rentals or unhosted owner-occupied rentals in a single-family home, townhouse, or condominium. Non-owner-occupied and investor whole-home STRs are effectively prohibited, tenants may not operate them, and each person may hold only one certificate. Operating requires a Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate from the Division of Inspections (annual $250 fee, inspection, insurance) plus a 3 percent municipal occupancy tax on top of state taxes.
What the rules say in Passaic
- STR defined as rental of a dwelling unit, in whole or part, for 28 or fewer consecutive days for compensation (Ord. 2510-26, 317-10)
- Only hosted partial-home STRs and unhosted owner-occupied STRs are permitted; unit must be occupied by the owner as their principal residence, documented by residing there at least 275 days per calendar year (Ord. 2510-26, 317-16H(7), (10); 317-10)
- Eligible property must be a single-family home, townhouse, or condominium; hotels, motels, rooming houses, dormitories and similar uses may not operate as STRs (Ord. 2510-26, 317-16H(1), (3))
- Tenants may not apply for a certificate or sublease a unit as an STR, and no person or entity may hold more than one Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate (Ord. 2510-26, 317-16H(4), (6))
- STR units may not be located in a cellar, and no STR advertising signage may be installed on the property (Ord. 2510-26, 317-16H(5), (9))
- A Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate is required before advertising or operating; application requires owner ID, utility bills proving principal residence, fire safety inspection, zoning verification letter, minimum $500,000 liability insurance, and a $250 annual non-refundable fee, renewed annually (Ord. 2512-26, 100-15A, B, C, D)
- Renters are limited to one vehicle per two occupants, the primary occupant must be at least 21, and violations carry fines up to $2,000 per violation with each day a separate violation (Ord. 2512-26, 100-15, I, K)
- A 3 percent municipal occupancy tax applies to charges of rent for every occupancy of a short-term rental unit, in addition to state sales tax and fees (Ord. 2513-26, 275-24)
Sources: City of Passaic Code Enforcement and Zoning page listing STR ordinances and application forms; Ordinance 2510-26, Short Term Rental Unit Definition and Regulations (adopted Feb 17, 2026); Ordinance 2512-26, Requirements for Short Term Rental Certificate (adopted Feb 3, 2026); Ordinance 2513-26, Hotel, Motel and Short Term Rental Unit Occupancy Tax (adopted Feb 3, 2026). Last reviewed 2026-07.
How short-term rentals are regulated in New Jersey
- New Jersey has no single statewide short-term-rental ban. Instead, each municipality sets its own rules through local ordinances, which is why neighboring Bergen towns can differ completely.
- Statewide, short-term rentals are generally subject to NJ Sales Tax and the State Occupancy Fee (and, in some areas, local taxes) on stays under 90 days, unless booked through certain channels that collect on the host's behalf.
- Common municipal controls include registration or permits, owner-occupancy requirements, minimum-stay rules, caps on rental nights, and zoning limits on which districts allow short-term use.
- Rules change. An ordinance can be added or amended at any time. Always confirm the current rule with the municipality before listing.
Passaic short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Passaic, NJ?
Passaic adopted a short-term rental regime in February 2026 that permits STRs (stays of 28 days or fewer) only in an owner's principal residence: hosted partial-home rentals or unhosted owner-occupied rentals in a single-family home, townhouse, or condominium. Non-owner-occupied and investor whole-home STRs are effectively prohibited, tenants may not operate them, and each person may hold only one certificate. Operating requires a Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate from the Division of Inspections (annual $250 fee, inspection, insurance) plus a 3 percent municipal occupancy tax on top of state taxes.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Passaic?
Only hosted partial-home STRs and unhosted owner-occupied STRs are permitted; unit must be occupied by the owner as their principal residence, documented by residing there at least 275 days per calendar year (Ord. 2510-26, 317-16H(7), (10); 317-10)
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Passaic, New Jersey?
Short-term stays in New Jersey are generally subject to NJ Sales Tax and the State Occupancy Fee (plus any local fees), unless collected for you by the booking platform. A tax professional can confirm what applies to your property.
Can Palisade Stays manage a short-term rental in Passaic?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Passaic (see the status above), so it may not be the right play. Palisade Stays can still help you understand what's possible for your property, including a compliant mid-term or longer rental, and run it if it's a fit. Start with a quick assessment.
Navigating Passaic's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Passaic property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Passaic towns