Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Ramsey, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Ramsey banned short-term rentals outright in March 2026: Ordinance 07-2026 (codified as Borough Code § 13-18) makes it unlawful to receive any consideration for occupancy of a dwelling unit for 30 days or less, and bans renting a room or portion of a home for any term, with fines up to $1,250 per day. Whole-home rentals longer than 30 days remain legal but require a rental certificate of occupancy plus the Borough's existing annual rental registration, license, and inspection under § 13-16.
What the rules say in Ramsey
- Rental of any dwelling unit (whole or part) for 30 consecutive days or less for consideration is unlawful (§ 13-18.1.a, Ord. 07-2026, adopted 3-25-2026)
- Rental of a room or portion of a dwelling is prohibited for ANY term, even over 30 days (§ 13-18.1.b)
- Advertising, soliciting, or promoting a prohibited short-term rental is itself a violation (§ 13-18.4)
- Violations are a nuisance per se; civil penalty up to $1,250, each day a separate violation (§ 13-18.7)
- Exemptions: holdovers/extensions of existing rentals (§ 13-18.1.c) and unpaid house guests who are members of the owner's housekeeping unit (§ 13-18.3)
- Lawful 30+ day whole-home rentals require a rental certificate of occupancy application to the Construction Official (§ 13-18.5-.6) plus annual registration and license with inspection, $50 per unit per year (§ 13-16, Ord. 12-2008)
- Transient lodging as a business (tourist lodges/motels/hotels) is allowed only in the B-3 Highway Commercial District (§ 34-29.1.e) under a Chapter 4 license with transient-only occupancy and a room occupancy tax (§ 4-12); boarding houses are prohibited in all districts (§ 34-40.1.o)
Sources: Ramsey Mayor & Council 3-25-2026 agenda packet containing full text of Ordinance 07-2026 establishing § 13-18 Short-Term Rentals; Ramsey Mayor & Council 3-25-2026 regular session minutes: Ordinance 07-2026 public hearing and unanimous final adoption; Ramsey Mayor & Council 3-11-2026 work session minutes: Ordinance 07-2026 introduction/first reading with administrator's explanation; Code of the Borough of Ramsey, NJ (eCode360 RA2820), legislation through 11-13-2023; Ramsey Code Chapter 13 Building and Housing, incl. § 13-16 Rental Property registration/licensing (via Wayback snapshot of eCode360); Ramsey Code Chapter 34 Zoning: definitions, R-1 § 34-13.1, B-3 § 34-29.1, § 34-40.1 prohibited uses (via Wayback snapshot of eCode360); Borough of Ramsey ordinances page confirming eCode360 as official code host. 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.
Ramsey short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Ramsey, NJ?
Ramsey banned short-term rentals outright in March 2026: Ordinance 07-2026 (codified as Borough Code § 13-18) makes it unlawful to receive any consideration for occupancy of a dwelling unit for 30 days or less, and bans renting a room or portion of a home for any term, with fines up to $1,250 per day. Whole-home rentals longer than 30 days remain legal but require a rental certificate of occupancy plus the Borough's existing annual rental registration, license, and inspection under § 13-16.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Ramsey?
Lawful 30+ day whole-home rentals require a rental certificate of occupancy application to the Construction Official (§ 13-18.5-.6) plus annual registration and license with inspection, $50 per unit per year (§ 13-16, Ord. 12-2008)
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Ramsey, 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 Ramsey?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Ramsey (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 Ramsey's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Ramsey property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns