Hackensack vs Mahwah
How do permit requirements rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Hackensack.
Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Hackensack regulates rooming and boarding houses through Chapter 158 and rental units under Chapter 145. Short-term rentals are not specifically authorized in residential zones and operators face significant licensing hurdles before listing on Airbnb or VRBO.
View full Hackensack rules →Mahwah, 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 →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | Chapter 145 Rental Properties | - |
| License Required | Yes, all rentals | - |
| STR-Specific Rules | Not explicitly addressed | - |
| Zoning Review | Required for transient use | - |
| 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.
Hackensack FAQ
Can I run an Airbnb in Hackensack?
There is no explicit short-term rental ordinance, but you must obtain a rental license and confirm with the Building Department that your zone permits transient occupancy.
What chapter governs rentals in Hackensack?
Chapter 145 covers rental properties generally and Chapter 158 governs rooming and boarding houses. Both may apply depending on rental length and configuration.
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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