Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lakewood, NJ

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lakewood, NJ, but with restrictions. Short-term stays (limited tenure) are defined as 30 days or fewer per year. Operators must obtain a Certificate of Approval for transient accommodations (hotels/rooming houses) and a mercantile license, while all rental units require a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance ensuring adherence to housing codes. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term stays (limited tenure) are defined as 30 days or fewer per year. Operators must obtain a Certificate of Approval for transient accommodations (hotels/rooming houses) and a mercantile license, while all rental units require a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance ensuring adherence to housing codes.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lakewood. 1. Submit a written application for a Certificate of Approval to the Department of Code Enforcement and Zoning between May 15 and July 1. 2. Consent to a premises inspection by the Department Head or designee. 3. Obtain a mercantile license from the Township Clerk. Certificates must be renewed annually by July 1.

1. Submit a written application for a Certificate of Approval to the Department of Code Enforcement and Zoning between May 15 and July 1. 2. Consent to a premises inspection by the Department Head or designee. 3. Obtain a mercantile license from the Township Clerk. Certificates must be renewed annually by July 1.

Vrbo is permitted in Lakewood, NJ under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Lakewood are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Lakewood. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.