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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Union County, NJ

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to owner-occupied properties and limited to a maximum of 15 separate rentals or 90 nights per year. Owners must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within two hours, and only one STR contract is permitted at a time per property.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an application to the Zoning Officer with a $500 initial fee ($250 renewal). 2. Provide proof of $500,000 liability insurance and documentation of fire/property maintenance inspections (within 6 months for initial, 3 years for renewal). 3. Ensure all taxes and water bills are paid; licenses are valid for one year.

Official Resources

Official Union County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Union County, NJ?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Union County, NJ, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to owner-occupied properties and limited to a maximum of 15 separate rentals or 90 nights per year. Owners must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within two hours, and only one STR contract is permitted at a time per property. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Union County, NJ?
STRs are restricted to owner-occupied properties and limited to a maximum of 15 separate rentals or 90 nights per year. Owners must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within two hours, and only one STR contract is permitted at a time per property.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Union County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Union County. 1. Submit an application to the Zoning Officer with a $500 initial fee ($250 renewal). 2. Provide proof of $500,000 liability insurance and documentation of fire/property maintenance inspections (within 6 months for initial, 3 years for renewal). 3. Ensure all taxes and water bills are paid; licenses are valid for one year.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Union County?
1. Submit an application to the Zoning Officer with a $500 initial fee ($250 renewal). 2. Provide proof of $500,000 liability insurance and documentation of fire/property maintenance inspections (within 6 months for initial, 3 years for renewal). 3. Ensure all taxes and water bills are paid; licenses are valid for one year.
Is Vrbo legal in Union County, NJ?
Vrbo is permitted in Union County, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Union County?
Short-term rental hosts in Union County 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Union County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Union County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction