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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wildwood, NJ

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (leases <175 days) must be inspected and licensed annually. Occupancy limits must be posted and cannot exceed the sleeping accommodations listed on the permit; owners must provide site plans and designate a local agent residing in Cape May County if the owner is not a resident.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Rental Permit/Mercantile application to the City Clerk including owner info and a site plan identifying sleeping rooms. 2) Ensure municipal taxes are current and schedule a safety inspection by Code Enforcement/Fire/Police. 3) Pay the applicable fee; permits expire annually on May 1.

Regulatory Updates — Wildwood

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2022

Wildwood Rental Inspection Certificate Requirement

City requires annual rental inspection certificate for all STRs; certificate of occupancy inspection and fire safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, extinguisher) mandatory.

PassedNovember 2024

Cape May County Hotel/Motel Tax Clarification

County clarified that all STRs are subject to the 3.15% hotel/motel tax on gross rental receipts; operators must register with county and remit monthly.

ProposedSeptember 2025

New Jersey STR Transparency Legislation

NJ legislation proposed requiring platforms to share host data with municipalities; would strengthen Cape May County's ability to identify unregistered STR operators in Wildwood.

Official Resources

Official Wildwood STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Wildwood Beach Business AssociationLocal

Local business group supporting Wildwood's resort economy including vacation rental operators who are a cornerstone of summer tourism.

New Jersey Hospitality AllianceStatewide

Statewide hospitality industry group that tracks STR legislation and provides guidance for New Jersey operators.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Wildwood, NJ?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Wildwood, NJ, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (leases <175 days) must be inspected and licensed annually. Occupancy limits must be posted and cannot exceed the sleeping accommodations listed on the permit; owners must provide site plans and designate a local agent residing in Cape May County if the owner is not a resident. 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 Wildwood, NJ?
Short-term rentals (leases <175 days) must be inspected and licensed annually. Occupancy limits must be posted and cannot exceed the sleeping accommodations listed on the permit; owners must provide site plans and designate a local agent residing in Cape May County if the owner is not a resident.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Wildwood?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wildwood. 1) Submit a Rental Permit/Mercantile application to the City Clerk including owner info and a site plan identifying sleeping rooms. 2) Ensure municipal taxes are current and schedule a safety inspection by Code Enforcement/Fire/Police. 3) Pay the applicable fee; permits expire annually on May 1.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Wildwood?
1) Submit a Rental Permit/Mercantile application to the City Clerk including owner info and a site plan identifying sleeping rooms. 2) Ensure municipal taxes are current and schedule a safety inspection by Code Enforcement/Fire/Police. 3) Pay the applicable fee; permits expire annually on May 1.
Is Vrbo legal in Wildwood, NJ?
Vrbo is permitted in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood?
Short-term rental hosts in Wildwood 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 Wildwood?
The most recent tracked change in Wildwood is "Wildwood Rental Inspection Certificate Requirement" (2022-06-01, status: passed). City requires annual rental inspection certificate for all STRs; certificate of occupancy inspection and fire safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, extinguisher) mandatory. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What does Wildwood require for vacation rental operation?
An annual city rental inspection certificate with certificate of occupancy inspection, smoke/CO detector compliance, and fire extinguisher. Cape May County hotel/motel tax registration (3.15% of gross receipts) is also required. NJ state sales tax applies to rentals under 90 days.
Does New Jersey have state preemption for STRs?
No. New Jersey has no statewide STR preemption law. Cape May County and its municipalities set their own requirements independently. Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood are separate jurisdictions with similar but distinct requirements.
When is Wildwood's peak rental season?
Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day (late May through early September), with the highest demand in July and August. Most rental activity and enforcement focus centers on these summer months; many rental properties are unoccupied in winter.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction