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

The insurance rule is in § 433-4E of the Bloomfield Township Code, as amended 8-14-2023 by Ord. No. 23-40. The owner must attach, and submit concurrently with the permit application, three items: proof of the owner's current ownership of the short-term rental unit, proof of general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000, and written certifications from the short-term rental property agent and responsible party that they agree to perform their duties under the chapter.

The dollar figure is a floor. The code prints the amount as a minimum, so a policy below $500,000 does not satisfy the requirement. The code does not set out a separate rule for any particular policy form, and the application itself is sworn: under § 433-4A the owner certifies under oath the accuracy of all information provided and acknowledges receiving and reviewing the chapter.

Because § 433-4A requires applicants to submit on an annual basis, the insurance proof accompanies each yearly application. Renewal under § 433-3F calls for a new permit application, a rental certificate of habitability application, an inspection and the $250 renewal fee.

Timing matters. Under § 433-5A the Fire Department either issues the permit and rental certificate of habitability or issues a written denial with reasons within 10 business days, but the clock applies to an application complete with all required information, documentation and fees. An owner who leaves out the liability proof therefore cannot expect a permit. A denied applicant has 10 business days to appeal in writing to the Township Administrator, who hears and decides the appeal within 30 days. Advertising before the permit issues is itself a violation under § 433-3B.