Jersey City caps short-term rental occupancy at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 more, with a hard maximum of 10 guests per unit. Parties and commercial events are prohibited under Chapter 255.
Under Chapter 255 of the Jersey City Municipal Code (Short-Term Rentals), occupancy limits are tied to the number of legal bedrooms in the unit. The standard formula allows two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests per unit, with a hard cap of 10 guests total in any STR regardless of bedroom count. Only one group of guests may occupy the unit at a time, and simultaneous rentals of multiple rooms in a single unit to unrelated parties are prohibited. The ordinance, which was strengthened by the 2019 Question 1 ballot referendum, also prohibits the use of STR units for commercial events, parties, or large gatherings that exceed normal residential occupancy. Occupancy limits must be disclosed in the listing, and hosts are responsible for ensuring compliance. Jersey City Code Enforcement and the Division of Housing may inspect and cite units that exceed occupancy caps. The occupancy cap applies in addition to any building-level limits established by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and Fire Code.
Exceeding occupancy caps is a violation of Chapter 255. Fines run from several hundred to $2,000 per violation, and repeat violations can trigger permit revocation and loss of STR eligibility.
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