East Brunswick, NJ Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Cap
- Posted maximum number of occupants, per § 166-12
- Living room, 3-5 occupants
- 145 square feet in Table PM-405.5
- Living room, 6 or more
- 175 square feet in Table PM-405.5
- First offense fine
- $250 per day for each day in violation
- Repeat fines
- $1,000 per day, then $2,000 per day
- Night limit
- 90 total nights per year, non-owner-occupied
Summary
In East Brunswick Township, it is unlawful for any person, including the owner or agent, to let more people than the posted maximum number of occupants sleep in or occupy a short-term rental structure. Section 182-9 ties the cap to § 166-12, the Property Maintenance Code overcrowding rule, and § 182-10 fines run $250 to $2,000 per day.
It shall be unlawful for any person including the owner or agent to allow a greater number of persons than the posted maximum number of occupants to sleep in or occupy any residential structure pursuant to § 166-12 of the Township Code.
Full Breakdown
Section 182-9 is short and works by reference. It prints no headcount of its own. It makes it unlawful for any person, including the owner or agent, to allow a greater number of persons than the posted maximum number of occupants to sleep in or occupy any residential structure pursuant to § 166-12 of the Township Code. Ord. No. 25-34 added the section on 10-13-2025.
Section 166-12 carries the overcrowding rule (Section PM-405.5): if any room used for residential purposes is overcrowded, the code official can order the number of persons sleeping or living in the room reduced until it meets Table PM-405.5, Minimum Occupancy Area in Square Feet. For 1-2 occupants the living room has no requirement; for 3-5 occupants it is 145; for 6 or more it is 175. The dining room is 100 for 3-5 occupants and 120 for 6 or more. The kitchen is 50, 70 and 85 across the three columns. Bedrooms must comply with Section PM-405.3.
Other Chapter 182 rules shape who is in the unit. Section 182-5(I) bars renting to anyone younger than 21, though the primary occupant can have guests under 21. Under § 182-5(A)(9) the owner agrees that renters are limited to one vehicle per two occupants. Sections 182-3(F) and 182-7(C) allow one short-term rental contract at a time. Section 182-3(E) caps rentals at 90 total nights per calendar year, except for owner-occupied rentals, and each night over the limit is a separate violation. Under § 182-5(G), each time occupancy changes the owner or agent must give the Township the names and ages of all transient occupants and the start and end dates of the rental period.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the posted maximum is unlawful under § 182-9, and § 182-10 attaches Court-assessed fines to any violation of Chapter 182: $250 per day for a first offense, $1,000 per day with a mandatory court appearance for a second offense, and $2,000 per day with a mandatory court appearance for each subsequent offense. Under § 182-7(I), two or more substantiated civil or criminal complaints let the Business Administrator or designee revoke the permit, with no new application for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the occupancy limit for a short-term rental in East Brunswick Township?
How does § 166-12 decide how many people fit?
Who is liable if a rental is overcrowded?
Can East Brunswick Township pull a permit over complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Brunswick
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