Occupancy Limits: Long Branch vs Red Bank

How many guests can sleep in a Long Branch short-term rental?

There is no fixed guests-per-bedroom number in Chapter 271. The Bureau of Construction Code Enforcement sets the lawful occupancy on the Certificate of Occupancy based on each sleeping room's square footage, applying the NJ State Housing Code (N.J.A.C. 5:28) minimum of 70 sq ft for one occupant plus 50 sq ft for each additional occupant in the room.

Is my Airbnb a 'seasonal rental' under Chapter 271?

Almost certainly yes. Chapter 271 defines a seasonal rental as any rental for a term of less than one year that includes any day in the May 15 - September 15 window. A typical short-term Airbnb or Vrbo stay during summer falls within that definition and triggers the seasonal-rental rules, including the bond requirement tied to disorderly-conduct complaints.

Where is the occupancy number listed?

On the Certificate of Occupancy or Habitability issued by the Long Branch Bureau of Construction Code Enforcement. The Certificate is required prior to any change in tenancy, and the lawful occupancy stated on the Certificate is the controlling cap for short-term rentals.

How many guests can I host in a Red Bank short-term rental?

Red Bank Borough Code Chapter 559 restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied single-family homes, duplexes, or up to two units in a multifamily building for stays of 28 consecutive days or fewer, but does not publish a fixed per-bedroom occupancy cap. Total occupancy is bounded by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code habitable-space rules. Confirm the maximum guest count tied to your specific permit with the Red Bank Fire Marshal's Office at 732-530-2700 before advertising the listing.

Can I rent a non-owner-occupied unit short-term in Red Bank?

No. Chapter 559 (adopted by Ordinance 2024-23 on May 23, 2024) limits short-term rentals to owner-occupied premises, where the deed-holder lives at the property and uses it as their legal residence. Pure investor-owned, non-owner-occupied STRs are not permitted, and the rental term cannot exceed 28 consecutive days. Confirm any current change with the Fire Marshal's Office.