Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Franklin Lakes bans short-term rentals outright: since 2017 the borough code makes it unlawful to rent, offer, or even advertise any dwelling unit for 30 days or less for payment, anywhere in town, and a 2022 amendment also bans renting home amenities such as swimming pools. Fines run up to $1,250 with each day a separate violation. The borough's 2026 notice warns that advertising a home or pool for a term of 60 days or less is a violation, so treat anything under 60 nights as off-limits and confirm the current threshold with the borough clerk.
What the rules say in Franklin Lakes
- Renting or offering any dwelling unit for 30 days or less for consideration is prohibited borough-wide (Code sec. 300-158A)
- Advertising, soliciting, or promoting such a rental is itself a violation (secs. 300-158A and 300-161); the borough's 2026 notice states advertising a home or pool for a term of 60 days or less violates the ordinance
- Renting any amenity of a dwelling, including swimming pools, is prohibited (sec. 300-158B, Ord. No. 1891, adopted 10-18-2022)
- Only exception: unpaid house guests who are members of the owner's housekeeping unit (sec. 300-160)
- Penalties: fine up to $1,250; each day of violation is a new and separate violation (sec. 300-162)
Sources: Borough of Franklin Lakes Code, Ch. 300 Art. XXI Short-Term Rentals (eCode360); Borough of Franklin Lakes Code, table of contents (eCode360, legislation through 10-21-2025); Borough news notice: 60-day advertising warning on short-term rentals; Borough Code/Ordinances page (links to eCode360 and recently adopted ordinances); Borough of Franklin Lakes Disposition List (ordinance history, eCode360). 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.
Franklin Lakes short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Franklin Lakes bans short-term rentals outright: since 2017 the borough code makes it unlawful to rent, offer, or even advertise any dwelling unit for 30 days or less for payment, anywhere in town, and a 2022 amendment also bans renting home amenities such as swimming pools. Fines run up to $1,250 with each day a separate violation. The borough's 2026 notice warns that advertising a home or pool for a term of 60 days or less is a violation, so treat anything under 60 nights as off-limits and confirm the current threshold with the borough clerk.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Franklin Lakes?
Requirements vary and change. Franklin Lakes's permit/registration status should be confirmed with the municipality, see the sources on this page, or ask us to verify.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Franklin Lakes (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 Franklin Lakes's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Franklin Lakes property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns