Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in River Edge, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
River Edge legalized but tightly restricted short-term rentals (28 or fewer consecutive days) via Ord. No. 25-22 (adopted 12-11-2025), codified as Chapter 337, Article II. STRs require an annual Borough Clerk permit and are effectively limited to the owner's principal residence: owner-occupied single-family homes, one unit of a two-family with the other owner-occupied, small (3-or-fewer-unit) buildings with an owner-occupied unit, or condo/HOA/co-op units whose governing documents allow STRs. Whole-unit rentals only (no room rentals), tenants may not operate STRs, and rentals where the owner is not present are capped at 60 nights per calendar year, so dedicated non-owner-occupied investment STRs are not eligible (a narrow grandfather clause for pre-existing operations expires January 1, 2027).
What the rules say in River Edge
- Short-term rental defined as occupancy of a dwelling unit by someone other than the owner/permanent resident for 28 or fewer consecutive days (§ 337-5)
- STR permit from the Borough Clerk required BEFORE renting or advertising; $250 initial registration fee, $200 annual renewal; permit valid 1 year, non-transferable, expires on change of ownership (§ 337-7)
- Owner-occupancy/principal-residence restriction: STRs permitted only in (1) condo/HOA/co-op units where governing documents permit STRs and the owner's principal residence is in the association, (2) owner-occupied single-family residences, (3) two-family dwellings with one unit owner-occupied, (4) up to two units in a multiple dwelling of 3 or fewer units with another unit owner-occupied (§ 337-6B)
- Entire-dwelling-unit rentals only; renting any portion less than the full unit (i.e., individual rooms) is prohibited (§ 337-6C)
- Un-hosted rentals (owner/operator not present) capped at 60 total nights per calendar year, each excess night a separate violation; un-hosted rentals prohibited in multiple dwellings with more than 4 units (§ 337-6F, G)
- Only property owners may operate; tenants may not apply for permits or sublease short-term (§ 337-6H); pre-existing non-conforming operations grandfathered only until end of lease/contract or January 1, 2027, whichever is first (§ 337-6I-K)
- No STRs in HUD/state-rent-regulated or rent-leveled (Ch. 336) units; hotels, rooming houses, institutional and similar uses excluded (§ 337-6D, E)
- Application requires sworn form, driver's license proving principal residence, two utility bills under 30 days old, 24/7 contacts for an STR agent and responsible party, parking disclosure, and a limit of one vehicle per two occupants (§ 337-8A)
- Fire-safety and Property Maintenance Code (Ch. 330) inspection within the past 6 months for initial permit, within the past 3 years for renewals (§ 337-8B)
- Operational rules: one rental contract at a time, no STR signage, required in-unit posting of contacts and rules, 24/7 availability with 2-hour complaint response; permit revoked after 3 substantiated complaints (or 1 at Borough discretion) with a 1-year reapplication ban (§ 337-10)
- Penalties up to $2,000 per violation and not less than $100 per day (§ 337-11)
- Separately, ALL rental units (any duration) require landlord liability insurance ($500,000, or $300,000 for owner-occupied 4-or-fewer-unit homes) and annual certificate-of-insurance registration with the Borough Clerk by Feb 1 with a $100 annual fee; $2,000 fine for failure (Ch. 337 Art. I, Ord. 23-8, adopted 4-10-2023)
Sources: Borough of River Edge Code, Chapter 337 Rental Property (Art. I Liability Insurance/Registration; Art. II Short-Term Rentals) - eCode360 (full text read); Borough of River Edge, NJ Code - eCode360 table of contents; Borough of River Edge - Borough Clerk Code Book page (confirms 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.
River Edge short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in River Edge, NJ?
River Edge legalized but tightly restricted short-term rentals (28 or fewer consecutive days) via Ord. No. 25-22 (adopted 12-11-2025), codified as Chapter 337, Article II. STRs require an annual Borough Clerk permit and are effectively limited to the owner's principal residence: owner-occupied single-family homes, one unit of a two-family with the other owner-occupied, small (3-or-fewer-unit) buildings with an owner-occupied unit, or condo/HOA/co-op units whose governing documents allow STRs. Whole-unit rentals only (no room rentals), tenants may not operate STRs, and rentals where the owner is not present are capped at 60 nights per calendar year, so dedicated non-owner-occupied investment STRs are not eligible (a narrow grandfather clause for pre-existing operations expires January 1, 2027).
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in River Edge?
STR permit from the Borough Clerk required BEFORE renting or advertising; $250 initial registration fee, $200 annual renewal; permit valid 1 year, non-transferable, expires on change of ownership (§ 337-7)
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in River Edge, 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 River Edge?
Short-term rentals face real limits in River Edge (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 River Edge's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your River Edge property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns