Bergenfield vs Mahwah
How do permit requirements rules compare between Bergenfield, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Bergenfield.
Bergenfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergenfield prohibits short-term rentals of 30 days or less under Chapter 239, Article III. No permit pathway exists for Airbnb-style transient lodging in the Borough.
View full Bergenfield rules βMahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah Township has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental licensing or permitting ordinance. Lodging uses in Mahwah are addressed through Chapter 24 (Zoning), which defines transient lodging accommodations as a hotel-type use rather than a single-family dwelling, and any rental of a dwelling shorter than 90 days is generally subject to the New Jersey Transient Accommodations Tax under N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1 and the State Sales and Use Tax Act, as amended by P.L. 2018, c. 49 and P.L. 2019, c. 235.
View full Mahwah rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bergenfield | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Chapter 239, Article III | - |
| Adopting ordinance | Ord. 18-2533 (2018) | - |
| Minimum rental term | More than 30 days | - |
| Maximum penalty | $1,250 per day | - |
| Local STR Ordinance | - | None adopted; default to Ch. 24 zoning |
| Zoning Code | - | Mahwah Code Ch. 24 (permissive use ordinance) |
| Lodging Use | - | 'Transient lodging accommodations' = hotel-type use; not a single-family use |
| Accessory Apartment Limits | - | Owner-occupied, max 3 occupants (Sec. 24-6.1(j)) |
| State Tax Trigger | - | Stays under 90 days = transient accommodation |
| Statutory Authority | - | N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1; P.L. 2018, c. 49; P.L. 2019, c. 235 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bergenfield FAQ
Can I list my Bergenfield home on Airbnb?
No. Bergenfield prohibits short-term rentals of 30 days or less under Chapter 239, Article III. Marketing or soliciting such rentals is itself a violation, even if no booking occurs.
Is there a permit available for short-term rentals?
No. Bergenfield does not issue STR permits because the use is prohibited. Only rentals with terms greater than 30 days are lawful, and standard rental registration applies.
Mahwah FAQ
Does Mahwah require a short-term rental license?
Mahwah has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental licensing ordinance. However, Chapter 24 is a permissive zoning code, so any rental that operates as a 'transient lodging accommodation' (hotel-type use) outside the zones where that use is permitted is not allowed. Hosts should confirm with the Zoning Officer before listing a property.
Do I have to collect New Jersey sales tax and occupancy fee on Airbnb stays?
Generally yes, for stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days. Under P.L. 2018, c. 49 and P.L. 2019, c. 235, transient accommodations are subject to the 6.625% Sales Tax and the 5% State Occupancy Fee, with marketplaces typically collecting on the host's behalf. Confirm registration and exemption details with the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
Can I rent my Mahwah accessory apartment on Airbnb?
Section 24-6.1(j) caps the apartment at three occupants and requires the principal building to be owner-occupied at all times. Operating it as a hotel-style transient lodging use is not permitted by Chapter 24, and any rental must still comply with state transient accommodation tax rules.
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