Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Chapter 80 of the Monroe Township Code, adopted 11-4-2020 by Ord. No. O-10-2020-020, does not create a short-term rental permit. It bans the activity. Section 80-3(A) makes it unlawful for an owner, lessor, sub-lessor or any other person with possessory right in a dwelling unit, or their agents, employees or representatives, to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for advertising, offering or allowing the use or occupancy of any dwelling unit or residential property for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. The rule applies notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Township Code.

"Residential property" in § 80-2 covers all or any portion of a lot, tract or parcel on which one or more dwelling units sit, or which is zoned for residential uses. "Consideration" covers rent, fees, a quid pro quo or any other thing of value. Section 80-4 goes further and prohibits the lease or rental, for any purpose, of any amenity, feature, accessory or appurtenance to or associated with a dwelling.

Three carve-outs appear in the chapter. Section 80-3(B) preserves the otherwise lawful occupancy of a dwelling unit or residential property for a rental period of more than 30 days. Sections 80-1(B) and 80-3(C) exclude lawfully established hotels, motels, rooming houses, boardinghouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments or units. Section 80-5 allows residential occupancy for a period of 30 days or less by an occupant who is a member of the owner's housekeeping unit, without consideration or a fee.

The stated purpose in § 80-1(A) is to preserve housing for long-term tenants and to minimize the effects of short-term rental properties on the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Enforcement belongs to the Construction Code Official, Fire Official, Health Department or Code Enforcement Officer under § 80-7(A).