Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in West New York, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
West New York bans short-term rentals town-wide: Code Chapter 380A prohibits renting any residential dwelling unit (whole or in part) for transient use of 30 consecutive days or less, whether or not the owner or a permanent resident is on site, with only town-approved hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts exempt. A 2018 amendment that would have created a licensing path for owner-occupied 2-4 unit buildings was withdrawn and never became law, and the town re-affirmed the ban in January 2025 by amending the chapter's fines.
What the rules say in West New York
- Chapter 380A-1 defines VACATION RENTAL as rental of any dwelling unit, accessory building, garage, attic, or basement, in whole or in part (or any furniture within them), for exclusive transient use of 30 consecutive days or less, regardless of whether one of the dwelling unit's permanent residents is on site.
- Chapter 380A-2 (Prohibited acts): no person, including any hosting platform operator, shall undertake, maintain, authorize, aid, facilitate or advertise any vacation rental activity that does not comply with the Code; the chapter provides no registration, permit, or license pathway, so rentals under 30 consecutive days in residential units are banned town-wide.
- Rentals of units within Town-approved hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts are expressly excluded from the vacation-rental definition and remain lawful.
- Rentals of 30+ consecutive days fall outside the vacation-rental definition and are lawful, subject to the town's ordinary rental-property rules (e.g. landlord registration, rent control in Ch. 312).
- Penalties as codified: minimum $500 fine for a first offense and minimum $1,000 for each subsequent offense, plus reimbursement of investigative costs and disgorgement of illegally obtained rental revenue; Ordinance 1/25 (adopted 1-29-2025) further amended the fine provisions of Chapter 380A.
- Ordinance 3/18, which would have permitted registered, owner-occupied short-term rentals in legal 2-4 unit structures ($25 annual license, $250,000 insurance, 3% occupancy tax), was WITHDRAWN on 8-22-2018 per the town's ordinance disposition list and never took effect; third-party host guides describing that licensing scheme as current law are incorrect.
Sources: Code of West New York Ch. 380A Vacation Rentals, Short-Term (eCode360; full text read via Wayback snapshot of 2024-08-07); Ordinance 35/17 - Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Residential Properties Prohibited (adopted 1-18-2018); Ordinance 3/18 - proposed licensing amendment (introduced 2018, later withdrawn); Town of West New York ordinance disposition list (35/17 adopted 1/18/2018; 3/18 withdrawn 8/22/2018; 1/25 adopted 1/29/2025); Commission agenda 1-8-2025 introducing Ordinance 1/25 amending Ch. 380A fines. 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.
West New York short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in West New York, NJ?
West New York bans short-term rentals town-wide: Code Chapter 380A prohibits renting any residential dwelling unit (whole or in part) for transient use of 30 consecutive days or less, whether or not the owner or a permanent resident is on site, with only town-approved hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts exempt. A 2018 amendment that would have created a licensing path for owner-occupied 2-4 unit buildings was withdrawn and never became law, and the town re-affirmed the ban in January 2025 by amending the chapter's fines.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in West New York?
Chapter 380A-2 (Prohibited acts): no person, including any hosting platform operator, shall undertake, maintain, authorize, aid, facilitate or advertise any vacation rental activity that does not comply with the Code; the chapter provides no registration, permit, or license pathway, so rentals under 30 consecutive days in residential units are banned town-wide.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in West New York, 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 West New York?
Short-term rentals face real limits in West New York (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 West New York's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your West New York property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
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