Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Ridgefield, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Ridgefield bans short-term rentals outright: it is unlawful to rent any dwelling unit, whole or in part, for 30 consecutive days or less for any form of payment, and even advertising such a rental is a violation. The only carve-outs are unpaid house guests of the owner's household and properties zoning-approved and licensed as a hotel, motel, or boarding house. Fines run up to $1,250 per day, with each day counting as a separate violation.
What the rules say in Ridgefield
- Renting any dwelling unit (a structure or any portion of one) for a rental period of 30 days or less for actual or anticipated consideration is unlawful borough-wide (§ 319-30A, adopted by Ord. No. 2310, 9-21-2016).
- Rentals of more than 30 days remain lawful (§ 319-30B); the ban covers both whole-home and room rentals because 'dwelling unit' is defined as any structure 'or portion thereof' (§ 319-31).
- Advertising, soliciting, or promoting a short-term rental is itself unlawful (§ 319-33).
- Exceptions: occupancy of 30 days or less by members of the owner's housekeeping unit without payment (house guests) (§ 319-32A), and dwelling units with zoning approval as a hotel, motel, or boarding house that are otherwise licensed/permitted (§ 319-32B).
- The zoning code separately provides that renting or leasing a dwelling unit for residential occupancy for 30 days or less 'is not a permitted use by or within the Borough of Ridgefield' (Ch. 390 Zoning, Art. VII Supplementary Regulations, section added by Ord. 2310 § II).
- Violations are declared a public nuisance per se; civil penalty up to $1,250 per violation, and each day is a new and separate violation, plus eviction, injunction, and attorney's-fee remedies (§ 319-34).
Sources: Borough of Ridgefield Code, Ch. 319 Art. IV Short-Term Rental Property (eCode360, code current through 2025-12-29; full text read); Borough of Ridgefield Council agenda, Sept. 21, 2016, containing full text and final-reading adoption of Ordinance No. 2310 (Short Term Rental Property Prohibition + Ch. 390 zoning amendment). 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.
Ridgefield short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Ridgefield, NJ?
Ridgefield bans short-term rentals outright: it is unlawful to rent any dwelling unit, whole or in part, for 30 consecutive days or less for any form of payment, and even advertising such a rental is a violation. The only carve-outs are unpaid house guests of the owner's household and properties zoning-approved and licensed as a hotel, motel, or boarding house. Fines run up to $1,250 per day, with each day counting as a separate violation.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Ridgefield?
Exceptions: occupancy of 30 days or less by members of the owner's housekeeping unit without payment (house guests) (§ 319-32A), and dwelling units with zoning approval as a hotel, motel, or boarding house that are otherwise licensed/permitted (§ 319-32B).
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Ridgefield (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 Ridgefield's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Ridgefield property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns