Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Westwood, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Westwood does not allow short-term rentals, though the prohibition is by zoning interpretation rather than a dedicated ordinance. The zoning code is permissive-list (Section 195-111: any use not expressly permitted in a district is prohibited), and no district lists a hotel, lodging, or transient-occupancy use, so operating a dwelling as a short-term rental is not a permitted use. The Building Department has stated on the record (2019 Planning Board minutes) that short-term rentals are illegal, and the borough's 2020 Master Plan Reexamination defined them but declined to create a permitting path. General rental registration (Chapter 272) adds a per-tenancy inspection and makes it unlawful to charge rent for premises used in violation of zoning. Because the prohibition is uncodified, get written confirmation from the Westwood zoning officer before relying on it.
What the rules say in Westwood
- Zoning is permissive-list: Section 195-111 provides that any use not expressly permitted in a zone district is prohibited, and no district lists a hotel, lodging, or transient-occupancy use, so short-term rental of a dwelling is not a permitted use.
- The Building Department's operative interpretation, recorded in the July 25, 2019 Planning Board minutes, is that short-term rentals are illegal (there is nothing written allowing or prohibiting them, but they are not allowed).
- The June 25, 2020 Master Plan Reexamination Report defined short-term rentals (under 30 days) and chose not to recommend a permitting path; no enabling ordinance has followed through 2026.
- General rental registration (Chapter 272) requires a landlord registration certificate and a per-tenancy inspection, and makes it unlawful to charge rent for premises used in violation of the zoning code.
- The prohibition is de facto and uncodified (no adopted ban and no enforcement cases found), so a single-household stay could still be argued to be residential use; obtain written zoning-officer confirmation before listing.
Sources: Westwood Code Sec. 195-111: uses not expressly permitted are prohibited (eCode360); Westwood Code Ch. 272 Rental Dwellings, Registration and Inspection (eCode360); Borough of Westwood planning record: 2020 Master Plan Reexamination (defines STRs, no permitting path). 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.
Westwood short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Westwood, NJ?
Westwood does not allow short-term rentals, though the prohibition is by zoning interpretation rather than a dedicated ordinance. The zoning code is permissive-list (Section 195-111: any use not expressly permitted in a district is prohibited), and no district lists a hotel, lodging, or transient-occupancy use, so operating a dwelling as a short-term rental is not a permitted use. The Building Department has stated on the record (2019 Planning Board minutes) that short-term rentals are illegal, and the borough's 2020 Master Plan Reexamination defined them but declined to create a permitting path. General rental registration (Chapter 272) adds a per-tenancy inspection and makes it unlawful to charge rent for premises used in violation of zoning. Because the prohibition is uncodified, get written confirmation from the Westwood zoning officer before relying on it.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Westwood?
Zoning is permissive-list: Section 195-111 provides that any use not expressly permitted in a zone district is prohibited, and no district lists a hotel, lodging, or transient-occupancy use, so short-term rental of a dwelling is not a permitted use.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Westwood, 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 Westwood?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Westwood (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 Westwood's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Westwood property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns