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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jersey City, NJ

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are limited to 28 consecutive days. Rentals are generally restricted to owner-occupied properties, including single-family residences and up to two units in a two-family home where the owner resides in one. Condominium or HOA units are eligible only if the association bylaws permit STRs and the owner uses the unit as a principal residence.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain a Zoning Determination Letter - Short Term Rental from the Division of Zoning. 2. Submit an annual STR permit application via the Jersey City Permit Registration portal, including the zoning letter, owner's affidavit, and proof of primary residence. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee and pass any required inspections by the Division of Housing Preservation.

Regulatory Updates — Jersey City

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2019

Owner-Occupancy Ordinance — Original Passage and Expansion

Jersey City originally passed its STR ordinance requiring owner-occupancy in 2019, following a high-profile ballot referendum in which voters approved restrictions on investor-owned STRs. The ordinance has been expanded in scope and enforcement since its original passage. Hosts in most residential zones must reside in the property as their primary home to legally operate an STR.

Official source
PassedJune 2022

60-Day Annual Cap for Non-Primary-Residence STRs

In limited zones where non-primary-residence STRs are permitted, Jersey City caps annual rentals at 60 days per calendar year. This effectively limits the commercial viability of investment-property STRs in the few areas where they remain legally available. Operators must maintain records of rental dates and make them available upon city inspection.

PassedJuly 2023

Enhanced Enforcement — 2023 Platform Data Cooperation

Jersey City expanded its STR enforcement program in 2023, entering into data-sharing agreements with booking platforms and adding dedicated STR inspectors. The city cross-references platform listing addresses against its owner-occupancy records and has issued hundreds of cease-and-desist letters to non-compliant operators.

Official Resources

Official Jersey City STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

NJ STR Owners CoalitionStatewide

New Jersey coalition of short-term rental operators advocating for fair STR regulations statewide and monitoring Jersey City enforcement activity.

New Jersey Apartment AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord association with members tracking STR legislation and enforcement trends in Jersey City, Newark, and other NJ municipalities.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association tracking New Jersey STR developments in Jersey City and other markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Jersey City, NJ?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are limited to 28 consecutive days. Rentals are generally restricted to owner-occupied properties, including single-family residences and up to two units in a two-family home where the owner resides in one. Condominium or HOA units are eligible only if the association bylaws permit STRs and the owner uses the unit as a principal residence.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jersey City?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jersey City. 1. Obtain a Zoning Determination Letter - Short Term Rental from the Division of Zoning. 2. Submit an annual STR permit application via the Jersey City Permit Registration portal, including the zoning letter, owner's affidavit, and proof of primary residence. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee and pass any required inspections by the Division of Housing Preservation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jersey City?
1. Obtain a Zoning Determination Letter - Short Term Rental from the Division of Zoning. 2. Submit an annual STR permit application via the Jersey City Permit Registration portal, including the zoning letter, owner's affidavit, and proof of primary residence. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee and pass any required inspections by the Division of Housing Preservation.
What is Jersey City's owner-occupancy requirement for STRs?
Jersey City requires that hosts operating short-term rentals in most residential zones must be owner-occupants — meaning you must own the property and use it as your primary home. You cannot operate a Jersey City STR as an investor who rents out a property where you don't live. This requirement was passed by voter referendum in 2019 and has been expanded in scope since. The owner-occupancy requirement applies regardless of the booking platform or rental duration.
Can I rent my Jersey City condo when I'm traveling?
Only in limited circumstances. If your condo is in a zone that permits non-primary-residence STRs (which is rare), you may be able to rent for up to 60 days per year while away. However, in most residential zones, you must be present or the rental is not permitted. Before listing your Jersey City condo on any platform, verify your zone's specific rules with the city's Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce. Operating in violation of the owner-occupancy ordinance can result in fines and forced delisting.
How does Jersey City's 60-day cap work?
In zones where non-primary-residence short-term rentals are permitted at all, Jersey City limits such rentals to a maximum of 60 days per calendar year. Each rental period (regardless of length) counts toward this limit. Hosts must maintain a rental log and provide it to the city upon request. Exceeding the 60-day cap can result in permit revocation and fines.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction