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Short-Term Rentals

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

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Paterson 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. Paterson has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Host Presence Rule

Within a specific zone bounded by 11th and 20th Avenues and by McLean Boulevard and Vreeland Avenue, unattended short-term rentals are banned unless the owner is present for a substantial part of each day, per a 2024 ordinance.

Key details: Zone: 11th–20th Ave, McLean Blvd–Vreeland Ave. Rule: Owner present required for exemption. Adopted: Ord. No. 24-023, April 9, 2024. Max penalty: $2,000 fine or 90 days jail. Scope: Applies only inside mapped zone.

Renting out a home inside the banned zone without a present owner risks a fine up to $2,000 or 90 days' imprisonment under § 275-19, with each day of an unattended rental a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Paterson takes a harder line on host presence rule. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Primary-Residence-Only Rule

In the same mapped zone, short-term rentals are allowed only in an owner-occupied home, one that is the primary residence of at least one person on the title deed, under a 2024 ordinance.

Key details: Zone: 11th–20th Ave, McLean Blvd–Vreeland Ave. Definition: Owner's primary residence per title deed. Excludes: LLC-owned or absentee-landlord rentals. Adopted: Ord. No. 24-023, April 9, 2024. Max penalty: $2,000 fine or 90 days jail.

Offering an unattended short-term rental in the zone without qualifying owner-occupancy risks a fine up to $2,000 or 90 days' imprisonment under § 275-19, with each rental day a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Paterson actively enforces its primary-residence-only rule requirements.

The Bottom Line

Paterson is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Paterson, 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 Paterson 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.