Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Oakland, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Oakland bans short-term rentals outright. Ordinance 23-CODE-905 (adopted June 14, 2023) added Article XX to the Land Use and Zoning code, making it unlawful to rent any dwelling unit for 30 days or less for compensation, and room or partial-home rentals are barred for any duration except the state-law senior citizen exception. Even advertising a short-term rental is a violation, with fines up to $1,250 per day.
What the rules say in Oakland
- Section 59-165A: unlawful for any owner, lessor, sublessor, or agent to receive or seek consideration for use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 30 days or less
- Section 59-165B: rental of an entire dwelling for more than 30 days remains lawful; rental of a room or portion of the premises is not permitted for ANY term
- Sole exception (per N.J.S.A. 40:55D-68.4/68.5, quoted in 59-165B): a senior citizen (62+) who owns a single-family dwelling as their primary residence may rent room(s) within it to one person
- Section 59-167: unpaid house guests (members of the owner's housekeeping unit, no consideration) staying 30 days or less are permitted
- Section 59-168: advertising, soliciting, or promoting a short-term rental is itself unlawful
- Section 59-169: violations are declared a public nuisance per se; strict liability (no intent required); fine up to $1,250, with each day a new and separate violation; enforced by Zoning Official, Fire Official, and Code Enforcement
Sources: Ordinance No. 23-CODE-905 (full adopted text, Borough of Oakland official site); Borough of Oakland Code, Ch. 59 Art. XX Short-Term Rentals (eCode360 codification); Borough of Oakland, NJ codified ordinances (eCode360 home). 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.
Oakland short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Oakland, NJ?
Oakland bans short-term rentals outright. Ordinance 23-CODE-905 (adopted June 14, 2023) added Article XX to the Land Use and Zoning code, making it unlawful to rent any dwelling unit for 30 days or less for compensation, and room or partial-home rentals are barred for any duration except the state-law senior citizen exception. Even advertising a short-term rental is a violation, with fines up to $1,250 per day.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Oakland?
Section 59-165B: rental of an entire dwelling for more than 30 days remains lawful; rental of a room or portion of the premises is not permitted for ANY term
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Oakland, 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 Oakland?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Oakland (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 Oakland's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Oakland property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns