Primary-Residence-Only Rule
Newark's 2019 STR ordinance restricts most short-term rental activity to the host's primary residence, blocking absentee-investor whole-home Airbnbs in residential zones absent specific licensing exceptions.
Short-Term Rentals in Newark, NJ (2026)
12 verified short-term rentals rules for Newark, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Newark Ch. 18:14 (amended Dec. 2023) requires an annual STR permit from the Dept. of Engineering ($250) before listing or renting. Owner must live in the unit as principal residence. GovOS enforcement software tracks unlicensed STRs.
Newark Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
Newark STR operators must comply with Ch. 20:3 noise limits (65 dB day / 50 dB night). Two or more police calls to an STR within 2 years can result in permit revocation under Ch. 18:14.
Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
STR permit: $250/year. NJ state hotel/motel tax (N.J.S.A. 54:32D, 6.625%) applies to all Newark STR stays under 28 days. Newark also has its own local hotel tax.
Newark STR Taxes & Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Newark Ch. 18:14 requires STR hosts to provide guest parking information. Street parking requires Newark residential permits in many neighborhoods. No dedicated off-street parking requirement for STR units.
Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Newark Ch. 18:14 limits STR occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom. The total number of bedrooms allowed is capped by the dwelling unit certificate of occupancy. No events or parties permitted at STR properties.
Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits
Heavy RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Newark Ch. 18:14 requires STR operators to carry a minimum $500,000 general liability insurance policy covering short-term rental activity. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the permit application.
Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsNight Caps
Newark Ch. 18:14 limits STR stays to a maximum of 30 consecutive nights per guest. Total annual rental nights are capped at 180 days per calendar year. The unit must be the host primary residence.
Short Term Rentals: Night Caps
Heavy RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Newark Ch. 18:14 (amended Dec. 2023, enforced Sept. 2024) requires annual STR registration via newarknjstr.munirevs.com. The $250 permit fee covers application, inspection, and GovOS listing verification. Owner-occupied only.
Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHost Presence Rule
Newark Ordinance 6PSF-c restricts short-term rentals primarily to owner-occupied homes where the host lives onsite, with limited unhosted nights permitted only after registration with the City Clerk and inspections.
Newark STR Host Presence Required Most Stays
Heavy RestrictionsHost Platform Liability
Newark's STR ordinance imposes obligations on booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo — including tax collection, listing-data sharing, and removal of unregistered Newark listings on City request under Ordinance 6PSF-c.
Newark Holds Airbnb-Style Platforms Accountable
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Essex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Newark city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Essex County →