Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in New Milford, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
New Milford bans short-term rentals outright. Ordinance 2024:18, adopted June 24, 2024 and codified as Section 10-11 ("Short Term Rental Property Prohibition") of the borough code, makes it unlawful to receive any consideration for renting, offering, or advertising any dwelling unit (whole home or a portion of one) for 30 days or less, with fines up to $1,250 per day. Rentals longer than 30 days and unpaid house guests remain legal.
What the rules say in New Milford
- Borough-wide prohibition: it is unlawful for an owner, lessor, sub-lessor, or their agents to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for soliciting, advertising, offering, or permitting the use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 30 days or less (Sec. 10-11.3a).
- Applies to whole homes and portions of homes: 'dwelling unit' includes any structure or portion thereof, apartment, condominium, co-op, or converted space offered for lodging for consideration for 30 days or less, so room rentals are equally banned (Sec. 10-11.2).
- Advertising a short-term rental is a separate violation: unlawful to advertise, solicit, or promote by any means actions in violation of the section (Sec. 10-11.5).
- Rentals of more than 30 consecutive days remain lawful (Sec. 10-11.3b).
- Exception: occupancy for 30 days or less by members of the owner's housekeeping unit without consideration (i.e., unpaid house guests) is permitted (Sec. 10-11.4).
- Penalties: strict liability (no intent or knowledge required), civil fine up to $1,250, and each day is a new and separate violation; the borough may also pursue eviction, injunction, and attorney's fees (Sec. 10-11.6).
- Violations are declared a public nuisance per se (Sec. 10-11.6b); enforcement is by the Zoning Officer, Fire Official, Health Department, and other code officials (Sec. 10-11.6a).
- The section supersedes any conflicting borough ordinance provisions (Sec. 10-11.8). Adopted 6-24-2024 as Ordinance 2024:18.
Sources: Ordinance 2024:18 full text (PDF), Borough of New Milford, adding Sec. 10-11 Short Term Rental Property Prohibition; eCode360, Borough of New Milford Chapter 10 Building and Housing (codified Sec. 10-11, entries marked 'Added 6-24-2024 by Ord. No. 2024:18'); eCode360 code home, Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of New Milford, 1991. 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.
New Milford short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in New Milford, NJ?
New Milford bans short-term rentals outright. Ordinance 2024:18, adopted June 24, 2024 and codified as Section 10-11 ("Short Term Rental Property Prohibition") of the borough code, makes it unlawful to receive any consideration for renting, offering, or advertising any dwelling unit (whole home or a portion of one) for 30 days or less, with fines up to $1,250 per day. Rentals longer than 30 days and unpaid house guests remain legal.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in New Milford?
Borough-wide prohibition: it is unlawful for an owner, lessor, sub-lessor, or their agents to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for soliciting, advertising, offering, or permitting the use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 30 days or less (Sec. 10-11.3a).
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in New Milford, 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 New Milford?
Short-term rentals face real limits in New Milford (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 New Milford's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your New Milford property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns