Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Secaucus, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Secaucus bans short-term rentals outright: Town Code Chapter 154 defines a short-term rental as any tenancy of 30 days or less and prohibits charging or accepting any rent for one anywhere in town, and it also prohibits advertising, listing, or facilitating such rentals. Violations carry fines of $500 to $2,000 per day and up to 90 days in jail, so operating an Airbnb-style whole-home or room rental under 30 nights is illegal in Secaucus.
What the rules say in Secaucus
- Short-term rental is defined as any change in tenancy involving an occupancy of 30 days or less (Code sec. 154-2).
- No person may charge, demand, receive, or accept rent or other payment for the use or occupancy of any short-term rental anywhere in the Town; each payment is a separate offense (sec. 154-3A).
- Listing, advertising, or otherwise offering a short-term rental, including by real estate agents, brokers, or salespersons, is itself a violation (sec. 154-3B).
- Penalties: fines of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000 per day and/or imprisonment up to 90 days; each day unabated is a separate violation (sec. 154-5A).
- Every rental unit in town (except multi-unit dwellings already subject to State housing laws) must register annually with the Town Clerk and pay an annual fee (sec. 154-9).
- Narrow exception: senior citizens may lease or rent rooms within a single-family primary residence to one person pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-68.4 (sec. 154-8); this is not an STR carve-out from the 30-day ban.
- Separately, any new tenancy requires a sale/rental certification (certificate of continued occupancy) with smoke and carbon monoxide checks under Code Chapter 64, as updated by Ordinance 2024-10.
Sources: Town of Secaucus Code, Chapter 154: Unlawful Residential Units (eCode360, current); Chapter 154 full text (Wayback Machine capture of the eCode360 page, read in full); Town of Secaucus, NJ Code of Ordinances, table of contents (eCode360); Secaucus Ordinance 2024-10 amending Chapter 64 (CCO / sale-rental certification), PDF read in full; Patch: Secaucus Takes On Air B&B, May Fine Homeowners (ordinance introduction coverage). 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.
Secaucus short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Secaucus, NJ?
Secaucus bans short-term rentals outright: Town Code Chapter 154 defines a short-term rental as any tenancy of 30 days or less and prohibits charging or accepting any rent for one anywhere in town, and it also prohibits advertising, listing, or facilitating such rentals. Violations carry fines of $500 to $2,000 per day and up to 90 days in jail, so operating an Airbnb-style whole-home or room rental under 30 nights is illegal in Secaucus.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Secaucus?
Every rental unit in town (except multi-unit dwellings already subject to State housing laws) must register annually with the Town Clerk and pay an annual fee (sec. 154-9).
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Secaucus, 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 Secaucus?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Secaucus (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 Secaucus's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Secaucus property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
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