Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Washington Township, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Short-term rentals are banned in the Township of Washington (Bergen County). Zoning Article XIIIA (adopted 2019 by Ord. No. 19-04) treats any rental of a dwelling, in whole or in part, for 30 consecutive days or less as a prohibited "vacation rental" because dwellings are approved only for permanent residential occupancy, and even advertising or facilitating such a rental (including by platforms or realtors) is a violation. There is no permit or registration path; fines run $250 to $1,000 per day plus restitution of rental revenue.
What the rules say in Washington Township
- Renting any dwelling unit, in whole or in part, for transient use of 30 consecutive days or less is a prohibited "vacation rental"; dwellings are approved only for permanent residential occupancy, not transient occupancy (secs. 580-86.1, 580-86.2A)
- No person, including hosting platform operators, may undertake, maintain, authorize, aid, facilitate, or advertise vacation rental activity (sec. 580-86.2A)
- Charging or accepting rent for such occupancy is barred; each charge or payment received is a separate offense (sec. 580-86.2B)
- Real estate agents, brokers, and salespersons may not assist or facilitate; listing or advertising a premises for such use is itself deemed a violation (sec. 580-86.2C)
- No permit or registration pathway exists; sec. 580-86.3 only authorizes the Township Council to adopt implementing regulations and fees, and none creating a permit scheme were found in the code
- Penalties: $250 to $1,000 per day (first offense) and $750 to $1,000 per day (repeat offenses), plus court-ordered reimbursement of investigative costs and restitution of all illegally obtained rental revenue; any interested person may also sue for an injunction with attorney-fee recovery (sec. 580-86.4)
- Rentals longer than 30 consecutive days are outside the article's scope (ordinary leases remain lawful; state lead-based paint inspection rules in Ch. 280 apply to long-term rental dwellings)
Sources: eCode360: Township of Washington, NJ, Ch. 580 Zoning, Art. XIIIA Short-Term Rentals (live full text); eCode360 print view of Art. XIIIA with section numbers 580-86.1 to 580-86.4 (accessed 2026-07-05); eCode360 Code of the Township of Washington (Bergen County), table of contents, legislation through 12-02-2025; eCode360: Chapter 580 Zoning (article list showing Art. XIIIA within secs. 580-1 to 580-98); Official Township of Washington (Bergen County, NJ 07676) website. 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.
Washington Township short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Washington Township, NJ?
Short-term rentals are banned in the Township of Washington (Bergen County). Zoning Article XIIIA (adopted 2019 by Ord. No. 19-04) treats any rental of a dwelling, in whole or in part, for 30 consecutive days or less as a prohibited "vacation rental" because dwellings are approved only for permanent residential occupancy, and even advertising or facilitating such a rental (including by platforms or realtors) is a violation. There is no permit or registration path; fines run $250 to $1,000 per day plus restitution of rental revenue.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Washington Township?
No permit or registration pathway exists; sec. 580-86.3 only authorizes the Township Council to adopt implementing regulations and fees, and none creating a permit scheme were found in the code
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Washington Township, 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 Washington Township?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Washington Township (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 Washington Township's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Washington Township property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns