Paterson, NJ Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone
- 11th–20th Ave, McLean Blvd–Vreeland Ave
- Definition
- Owner's primary residence per title deed
- Excludes
- LLC-owned or absentee-landlord rentals
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 24-023, April 9, 2024
- Max penalty
- $2,000 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
In the same mapped zone, short-term rentals are allowed only in an owner-occupied home, one that is the primary residence of at least one person on the title deed, under a 2024 ordinance.
OWNER-OCCUPIED HOME: Shall mean a residential structure that is the primary residence of at least one natural person listed on the title deed as owner. ... Except in an "owner-occupied home" as defined above, where the "owner is present" as defined above, "short-term rentals" as defined above are hereby be prohibited within the area bounded as follows...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 275 Article II (Ord. No. 24-023, 2024) bans 'unattended' short-term rentals inside the zone bounded by 11th Avenue, McLean Boulevard, 20th Avenue and Vreeland Avenue unless the home qualifies as an 'owner-occupied home.' Section 275-17 defines that term as 'a residential structure that is the primary residence of at least one natural person listed on the title deed as owner.' A rental unit owned by an LLC, an absentee landlord or an out-of-town investor cannot use the exception, even with a manager on site: the code requires an actual titled owner living there. Outside the mapped zone, no such residency test applies under this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Offering an unattended short-term rental in the zone without qualifying owner-occupancy risks a fine up to $2,000 or 90 days' imprisonment under § 275-19, with each rental day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an investor-owned property use Paterson's owner-occupied STR exception?
Does this residency rule apply citywide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey short-term rentals overview
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