Bayonne, NJ Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Bayonne's short-term rental permitting process, set out in § 33-20.4 of Article XX (added by Ord. No. O-24-12, amended by Ord. No. O-24-37), conditions permit issuance on proof of insurance. Section 33-20.4.e requires that, attached to and concurrent with submission of the permit application, the owner provide three items: proof of current ownership of the unit, proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000, and written certifications from the short-term rental property agent and the responsible party agreeing to perform their duties under the article.

The $500,000 liability insurance requirement sits alongside the rest of the application package required by § 33-20.4.a, which includes a sworn application, a driver's license or State ID confirming principal residence where applicable, contact information for the owner, agent, and responsible party, two utility bills less than 30 days old, and a parking-space count. The Department of Planning, Zoning, and Development reviews the complete package, including the insurance proof, before issuing or denying the permit within 30 calendar days under § 33-20.5.a. Because § 33-20.4.b also requires documentation of a fire-safety and Property Maintenance Code inspection within the prior six months for a new application, the insurance and inspection requirements work together to establish that an STR is both financially backstopped and physically safe before it opens to transient occupants.