Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Hawthorne, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Hawthorne bans short-term rentals outright. Borough Code Section 540-136(C) prohibits renting or leasing a dwelling unit for residential occupancy for a period of 30 days or less in all zones, so a typical whole-home Airbnb or Vrbo stay is unlawful here. The borough even prohibits renting out amenities of a home, such as a swimming pool, on a short-term basis.
What the rules say in Hawthorne
- Renting or leasing a dwelling unit for residential occupancy for a period of 30 days or less is prohibited in all zones within the Borough (Code § 540-136(C)(1)).
- Renting or leasing any amenity, feature, accessory, or appurtenance associated with a dwelling unit, including but not limited to swimming pools, is also prohibited (Code § 540-136(C)(2), added by Ordinance 2323-23, adopted August 16, 2023, effective same day).
- The prohibition applies notwithstanding any other contrary provision of the zoning ordinance, so no zone or use category provides an exception.
- No 2024, 2025, or 2026 ordinance on the borough's official ordinance lists amends or repeals § 540-136, so the ban remains current.
Sources: Borough of Hawthorne Zoning Ordinance 2323-23 (official PDF, quotes § 540-136(C) in full); Hawthorne, NJ official site: 2023 Ordinances list. 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.
Hawthorne short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Hawthorne, NJ?
Hawthorne bans short-term rentals outright. Borough Code Section 540-136(C) prohibits renting or leasing a dwelling unit for residential occupancy for a period of 30 days or less in all zones, so a typical whole-home Airbnb or Vrbo stay is unlawful here. The borough even prohibits renting out amenities of a home, such as a swimming pool, on a short-term basis.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Hawthorne?
Requirements vary and change. Hawthorne's permit/registration status should be confirmed with the municipality, see the sources on this page, or ask us to verify.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Hawthorne (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 Hawthorne's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Hawthorne property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.