Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Kearny, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Short-term rentals are banned townwide in Kearny. Town Code Section 15-4 (Ord. 2017-61, expanded by Ord. 2026-(O)-07 adopted Feb 24, 2026) prohibits renting any dwelling or part of one, in any single- or multi-family residential building, for less than 30 consecutive days, and also bans advertising or facilitating such rentals. Violations carry fines of $750 to $2,000 per day per unit and possible jail time, with unpaid fines becoming a lien on the property.
What the rules say in Kearny
- A short-term rental is defined as any rental of a dwelling or part thereof for less than 30 consecutive days (Town Code § 15-4.2, as amended by Ord. 2026-7).
- The ban covers every residential dwelling type townwide: single-family, two-family, and multi-family buildings, whole units and individual rooms ('any part thereof').
- § 15-4.3(a)-(b): no person may use, occupy, or enter into a short-term rental agreement for a dwelling, and no owner, lessee, or person in control may allow a dwelling to be used as a short-term rental.
- § 15-4.3(c): advertising, soliciting, or facilitating a short-term rental is itself unlawful (aimed at listing platforms, brokers, and agents).
- Exception (§ 15-4.3(d)): stays under 30 days by relatives or friends WITHOUT payment or other consideration are permitted; rentals of 30+ consecutive days remain lawful.
- Penalties (§ 15-4.5(b), strict liability 'without regard to intent or knowledge'): 1st violation $750/day per dwelling unit and/or 10 days jail; 2nd $750-$1,200/day and/or 20 days; 3rd+ $1,200-$2,000/day and/or 30 days. Each day is a separate violation and unpaid fines become a lien on the property.
- History: single-family STRs banned since Ord. 2017-61; Ord. 2026-(O)-07 (introduced Feb 10, 2026, final passage Feb 24, 2026, effective immediately) expanded the ban to all residential dwellings.
- Enforcement is complaint-driven via building code, health, fire, and police officials; the code also declares violations a public nuisance per se with eviction and injunction remedies available.
Sources: Ordinance 2026-7 full text (Town of Kearny, amending § 15-4 re: Short Term Rentals); Town Clerk public notice of final passage of Ord. 2026-(O)-07, Feb 24, 2026; Kearny Town Code Chapter 15: Rental Housing (eCode360), § 15-4 short-term rental provisions; Hudson County View (Mar 13, 2026): Kearny bans Airbnb and other short-term rentals. 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.
Kearny short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Kearny, NJ?
Short-term rentals are banned townwide in Kearny. Town Code Section 15-4 (Ord. 2017-61, expanded by Ord. 2026-(O)-07 adopted Feb 24, 2026) prohibits renting any dwelling or part of one, in any single- or multi-family residential building, for less than 30 consecutive days, and also bans advertising or facilitating such rentals. Violations carry fines of $750 to $2,000 per day per unit and possible jail time, with unpaid fines becoming a lien on the property.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Kearny?
Exception (§ 15-4.3(d)): stays under 30 days by relatives or friends WITHOUT payment or other consideration are permitted; rentals of 30+ consecutive days remain lawful.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Kearny, 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 Kearny?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Kearny (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 Kearny's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Kearny property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
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