Short-Term Rentals in East Orange, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in East Orange or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. East Orange has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Noise Rules

East Orange Chapter 228 (adopted 6-10-2024 by Ordinance 14-2024) requires every short-term rental transient occupant to comply with Chapter 184 Noise Pollution. Music played in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and the following morning may not exceed 65 dBA measured at 25 feet or the next adjoining property line. Applicants with any Noise Pollution Ordinance violation in the prior two years are barred from receiving an STR permit.

Key details: STR Code: Chapter 228 (Ord. 14-2024). Noise Code: Chapter 184. Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. - morning. Residential Limit: 65 dBA at 25 ft. STR Lookback: 2-year noise-violation bar.

Operating an STR that produces noise in excess of Chapter 184 limits exposes both the transient occupant and the permit-holder to summonses from the East Orange Police Department, and counts as a disqualifying violation under Chapter 228 for two years. Chapter 184 also authorizes a written warning on first complaint before fines.

This is one of the stricter rules in East Orange's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Parking Rules

East Orange Chapter 228 (Ordinance 14-2024) limits short-term rental occupants to one vehicle per two STR occupants. The owner-applicant must report all on-site legal off-street parking spaces and the number of on-street spaces directly adjacent to the premises on the annual STR permit application, and must certify mitigation of neighborhood on-street parking impacts.

Key details: STR Code: Chapter 228 (Ord. 14-2024). Vehicle Cap: 1 per 2 occupants. Application Discloses: Off-street + adjacent on-street. Owner Duty: Mitigate neighborhood parking. Adopted: June 10, 2024.

Misrepresenting available parking on the Chapter 228 application is grounds for denial or revocation of the STR permit. Guest vehicles in excess of the one-per-two-occupants cap, or parked in violation of street-cleaning or permit-parking rules, are subject to tickets and towing under the city's traffic chapter and may trigger Chapter 228 enforcement against the permit-holder.

Occupancy Limits

East Orange Chapter 228 (Ordinance 14-2024) caps a single dwelling unit at three short-term rental contracts at one time and incorporates Chapter 159 Housing Standards occupancy rules: cellars, kitchens, foyers and shared living areas may not be used for sleeping, and a one-room dwelling unit is limited to two persons. Confirm the maximum overnight headcount for your unit with East Orange Property Maintenance at (973) 266-5320.

Key details: STR Code: Chapter 228 (Ord. 14-2024). Adopted: June 10, 2024. Contract Cap: 3 STR contracts per unit. Occupancy Floor: Chapter 159 + NJAC 5:23-3. Insurance: $500,000 / $500,000 GL.

Exceeding the three-contracts-per-dwelling-unit cap or housing more occupants than Chapter 159 permits is a Chapter 228 violation enforceable by the Department of Property Maintenance and grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of the STR permit. Open code violations or unclosed construction permits also block STR permit issuance.

Compared to other cities, East Orange takes a harder line on occupancy limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Permit Requirements

East Orange Code Ch. 228 (adopted June 10, 2024, Ord. No. 14-2024) requires an annual STR permit from the East Orange Short-Term Rental Subdivision before renting or advertising any STR. Application must be under oath with all owner information, property address, and required documentation.

Key details: Permit Required: Annual — STR Subdivision. Adopted: June 10, 2024 — Ord. No. 14-2024. Zoning Certificate: Required with application. Inspection: City may inspect for compliance.

Operating without a permit is a public nuisance. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Fines apply per violation.

This is one of the stricter rules in East Orange's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Taxes & Fees

STR permit fee specified in East Orange Ch. 228, §228-3 (nonrefundable annual fee; exact amount in code). NJ state hotel/motel tax (N.J.S.A. 54:32D) applies to all STR stays under 30 days.

Key details: Code: Ch. 228, §228-3. Permit Fee: Nonrefundable annual fee (see §228-3). State Tax: N.J.S.A. 54:32D hotel/motel tax. Rent Control: Ch. 218 rent control may apply.

Non-remittance: back taxes + 5 to 25% penalty + interest. NJ Division of Taxation audit authority. Willful evasion: criminal charges.

The Bottom Line

East Orange is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in East Orange, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that East Orange can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.