Jersey City permits long-term ADU rentals under standard NJ landlord-tenant law (N.J.S.A. 2A:42). Short-term rentals (under 28 consecutive days) are heavily regulated under Code Ch. 255 adopted by 2019 voter referendum: owner-only permit ($250 initial, $200 renewal), 60-day cap on non-owner-occupied STRs, mandatory inspections, and required NJ State Sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax registration. STRs are banned in many multi-family buildings.
Jersey City's STR ordinance (Code Ch. 255) is among the strictest in NJ. Adopted by November 2019 voter referendum and enforced by the Division of Housing Preservation, key provisions include: (1) Permit required before operating or advertising any STR; (2) Permit fee $250 initial, $200 annual renewal; (3) Only the property owner may apply - tenants and rental arbitrage are prohibited; (4) Initial application requires a Zoning Determination Letter from the Division of Zoning; (5) Fire-safety and Property Maintenance Code inspections required (Housing Code Enforcement + Fire Official); (6) Non-owner-occupied STRs capped at 60 days per calendar year; owner-occupied STRs uncapped; (7) STR prohibited in many multi-family rent-controlled buildings and in many condominium developments per master-deed restrictions. NJ State Tax: STR hosts must register with the NJ Division of Taxation and collect/remit NJ Sales and Use Tax (6.625%) plus State Occupancy Fee (5%) plus Jersey City Hotel and Motel Occupancy Tax (1%) under N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1. Long-term ADU rentals (28+ days, excluded from STR definition): NJ landlord-tenant law (Truth in Renting Act, N.J.S.A. 46:8-43; Anti-Eviction Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) governs leases. Jersey City has a strong rent control ordinance (Ch. 260) that applies to buildings with five or more dwelling units and excludes most owner-occupied two-to-four-family homes and ADUs in single-family configurations - but always confirm against the current registry. Co-op and condo master-deed STR restrictions are enforceable in NJ Superior Court.
Operating an STR without a permit: civil penalties up to $2,000 per offense per Ch. 255 and Ch. 1 general penalty provisions. Failure to register for occupancy tax is a NJ tax-law violation with interest and penalties. Permit revocation for repeat violations. Long-term tenancy disputes proceed under NJ Anti-Eviction Act; self-help eviction is prohibited and carries treble damages.
Jersey City, NJ
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