Mahwah vs Ridgewood
How do permit requirements rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
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 →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood Village bans rentals of dwelling units for periods of 30 days or less, making short-term rental permits unavailable for hosts seeking Airbnb-style operations within Village limits.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mahwah | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Minimum Rental Period | - | More than 30 days |
| Permit Available | - | No permits issued |
| Maximum Fine | - | $1,000 per violation |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 117, Article IX |
| Daily Penalty | - | Each day a separate offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ridgewood FAQ
Can I list my Ridgewood home on Airbnb for weekend stays?
No. Rentals of 30 days or less are prohibited under Chapter 117, Article IX. Even advertising a short-term rental is a violation.
Are house guests staying without payment also banned?
No. Unpaid guests who are members of the owner's housekeeping unit are permitted. The ban applies only to rentals involving compensation.
What if I rent for exactly 30 days?
Thirty days or fewer falls under the prohibition. To comply, the rental period must exceed 30 days.
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