Englewood's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Englewood, New Jersey, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Permit Requirements

Englewood, NJ bans short-term rentals of dwelling units for 31 days or fewer when consideration is received, with very limited exceptions for unpaid house guests of the owner.

Key details: Minimum Rental Period: More than 31 days. Maximum Penalty: $1,250 per violation. Authorizing Ordinance: Ord. No. 23-09. Code Section: Chapter 325, Article IX. Nuisance Status: Public nuisance per se.

Civil penalty up to $1,250 per violation; declared a public nuisance per se; advertising listings can trigger enforcement.

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

Taxes & Fees

Englewood requires every short-term rental to obtain a license under Chapter 325, Article IX (Ord. 23-09, adopted May 16, 2023): $250 initial application fee and $200 annual renewal. Stays of 89 days or less are subject to NJ Sales Tax (6.625%, N.J.S.A. 54:32B), the State Occupancy Fee (5%, N.J.S.A. 54:32D-1), and Englewood's 3% Municipal Occupancy Tax under Chapter 389 (authorized by N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1) - a combined 14.625% on the rent.

Key details: Initial License Fee: $250 Ch. 325, Art. IX. Annual Renewal Fee: $200. Sales Tax: 6.625% stays ≤89 nights. State Occupancy Fee: 5% N.J.S.A. 54:32D-1. Municipal Occupancy Tax: 3% Ch. 389, eff 1/1/2007.

Operating a short-term rental without an Englewood license is a violation of Chapter 325, Article IX and is enforced by the Building Code Official, Fire Official, Health Department, and Englewood Police Department. Article IX declares any violation a public nuisance per se and authorizes a maximum civil penalty of $1,250 per offense, with each day of continuing violation treated as a new and separate violation. Failure to collect or remit the 6.625% Sales Tax, 5% State Occupancy Fee, or 3% Municipal Occupancy Tax can trigger Division of Taxation assessments, interest, and penalties under the State Uniform Tax Procedure Law (N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq.).

Noise Rules

Englewood short-term rentals must comply with the citywide Noise Control Ordinance, Chapter 286, adopted from the NJDEP Model Noise Ordinance (Ord. 20-03). Residential exterior limits are 65 dBA daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 50 dBA nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), with impulsive sound capped at 80 dBA at night. STR Article IX violations - including loud or disorderly use - are public nuisances per se carrying fines up to $1,250 per day.

Key details: Hours: 7:00 a.m.. Hours: 10:00 p.m.. Nighttime impulsive sound: Nighttime impulsive sound cap: 80 dB (less than 4 events per hour). Standards mirror the: Standards mirror the NJDEP Model Noise Ordinance (N.J.A.C. 7:29). Article IX violations: Article IX violations declared a public nuisance per se.

Noise violations are enforced by the Englewood Police Department under Chapter 286 and may be charged as municipal ordinance violations subject to the penalties in Chapter 1 of the City Code. STR-specific violations under Chapter 325, Article IX - including the use of an STR in a manner that is 'offensive to the public health, safety and welfare' - carry a maximum civil penalty of $1,250 per offense, with each day a separate violation, and are enforced by the Building Code Official, Fire Official, Health Department, and Police Department. Disorderly conduct charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 can apply for unreasonably loud or offensive noise.

Parking Rules

Under Chapter 325, Article IX (Ord. 23-09), Englewood short-term rentals must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom. Properties without a paved driveway, garage, or carport are limited to two on-street locations directly in front of the STR. Total occupancy is capped at two adults per bedroom and no more than eight persons overall, which limits practical parking demand.

Key details: Off-Street Parking: 1 space per bedroom required (Ch. 325). No Off-Street: Limited to 2 on-street front spots. Occupancy Limit: 2 adults per bedroom maximum. Total Cap: 8 persons absolute regardless of bedrooms. Penalty: Max $1,250 per violation per day.

Failure to meet the off-street parking ratio is a violation of Chapter 325, Article IX and exposes the operator to license denial, suspension, or revocation, plus a civil penalty of up to $1,250 per offense with each day a separate violation, enforced by the Building Code Official, Health Department, and Police Department. Guest vehicles parked beyond the two permitted on-street locations, on lawns, or in violation of Chapter 280 street regulations are separately citable under municipal traffic and property maintenance codes and may be ticketed or towed. Repeated parking complaints are routinely cited as grounds at license-renewal review.

The Bottom Line

Englewood's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Englewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.