Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Newark, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Short-term rentals (stays of 28 consecutive days or less) are legal in Newark only with an annual $250 city permit and only at properties the owner maintains as his or her principal residence, so non-owner-occupied whole-home STRs are not a permitted use. Permitted setups are an owner's principal-residence home or condo, one unit of an owner-occupied two- or multi-family building, or up to two rooms in an owner-occupied single-family home. Operating or advertising without a permit carries fines up to $2,000 per violation per day.
What the rules say in Newark
- Chapter 18:14 defines a short-term rental as occupancy of a dwelling unit by someone other than the owner or permanent resident for 28 or fewer consecutive days (adopted Ord. 6PSF-B, 9-5-2019; amended 12-20-2023 by Ord. 6PSF-G).
- An annual Short-Term Rental Permit from the Department of Engineering is required before operating or advertising an STR on any platform or listing service; the registration/application fee is $250 and is non-refundable (18:14-3).
- Owner occupancy is mandatory in every permitted configuration (18:14-2(b)): a condo unit that is the owner's principal residence (and only where condo bylaws or the master deed allow STRs); a single-family residence that an owner identifies as principal residence; one unit of a two-family dwelling where the owner occupies the other unit; units in a multi-family dwelling where the owner occupies another unit in the same building as principal residence; or no more than two rooms within an owner-occupied single-family dwelling sharing kitchen and bathroom with the occupant.
- STRs are prohibited (18:14-2(c)) in boarding houses, dormitories, nursing homes and similar facilities, and at any property the owner does not maintain as his or her principal residence.
- Permits require a rental Certificate of Code Compliance and inspections; the city must issue the permit or a written denial within 10 business days of a complete application, with an appeal procedure (18:14-3 to 18:14-5).
- Ongoing operational requirements apply and the city may verify STR activity (18:14-6, 18:14-7).
- Violations, including advertising without a valid permit, carry fines up to $2,000 per violation per day (18:14-8).
- Registration and annual renewals run through the city's online STR portal (newarknjstr.munirevs.com).
Sources: Revised General Ordinances of Newark, NJ, Chapter 18:14 Short-Term Rentals (eCode360); Newark Code 18:14-2, Regulations Pertaining to Short-Term Rentals: permitted configurations and prohibitions (eCode360); City of Newark short-term rental registration portal (MUNIRevs). 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.
Newark short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Newark, NJ?
Short-term rentals (stays of 28 consecutive days or less) are legal in Newark only with an annual $250 city permit and only at properties the owner maintains as his or her principal residence, so non-owner-occupied whole-home STRs are not a permitted use. Permitted setups are an owner's principal-residence home or condo, one unit of an owner-occupied two- or multi-family building, or up to two rooms in an owner-occupied single-family home. Operating or advertising without a permit carries fines up to $2,000 per violation per day.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Newark?
An annual Short-Term Rental Permit from the Department of Engineering is required before operating or advertising an STR on any platform or listing service; the registration/application fee is $250 and is non-refundable (18:14-3).
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Newark, 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 Newark?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Newark (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 Newark's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Newark property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Essex towns