Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Totowa, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Totowa bans short-term rentals outright: it is unlawful to receive any consideration for occupancy of a dwelling unit for 90 days or less, and advertising such rentals is also illegal. The only carve-out is an unpaid house guest who is part of the owner's household. Rentals must run longer than 90 days, and violations carry fines up to $1,250 per day.
What the rules say in Totowa
- Section 256-17A: unlawful for any owner, lessor, or person with possessory rights to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for soliciting, advertising, offering, or permitting use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 90 days or less
- Section 256-17A(1): the ban extends to renting out amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, yards, garages, gazebos, outdoor kitchens and outdoor bars
- Section 256-17B: lawful occupancy for a rental period of more than 90 days remains permitted
- Section 256-18: only permitted short stay is by a member of the owner's housekeeping unit without consideration, such as a house guest
- Section 256-19: advertising, soliciting or promoting a prohibited short-term rental is itself unlawful
- Section 256-20C: fine up to $1,250 per violation, each day a new and separate violation; Section 256-20B declares a violation a public nuisance per se
Sources: Totowa Borough Code Ch. 256 Art. III Short-Term Rentals (eCode360, official codebook); Borough of Totowa official website (links to eCode360 codebook TO0453). 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.
Totowa short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Totowa, NJ?
Totowa bans short-term rentals outright: it is unlawful to receive any consideration for occupancy of a dwelling unit for 90 days or less, and advertising such rentals is also illegal. The only carve-out is an unpaid house guest who is part of the owner's household. Rentals must run longer than 90 days, and violations carry fines up to $1,250 per day.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Totowa?
Section 256-17A: unlawful for any owner, lessor, or person with possessory rights to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for soliciting, advertising, offering, or permitting use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 90 days or less
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Totowa, 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 Totowa?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Totowa (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 Totowa's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Totowa property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.