Atlantic County, NJ Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

County Code § 81-8, amended June 7, 2022 by Ordinance No. 5-2022, states that no person shall own, manage, conduct or carry on the business of a hotel, boardinghouse or rooming house without first obtaining a certificate of approval from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Section 81-9 lists what the written application to the Health Officer must include: the premises location, the names and addresses of the owner and operator (including officers, directors or partners if the applicant is not an individual), the owner's written consent if the applicant is not the owner, floor plans showing every room's size and window placement and the sanitary facilities available, and the number of guest rooms and proposed occupancy.

If the property sits in an area not zoned for the use, the applicant must document the nonconforming-use history, including the number of rooms and guests as of the date the use became nonconforming. Under § 81-10, the Health Officer inspects the premises for compliance with Chapter 81 and other health ordinances before approving or denying the certificate; DCA performs the inspections under a 2022 amendment. The certificate is valid for no more than 12 months from issuance and is not automatically renewed. Section 81-12 limits the whole chapter, including the certificate requirement, to municipalities within the County that participate in the Atlantic County Public Health Agency.