North Bergen Passes Ordinance Limiting Short-Term Rentals to 60 Nights Per Year

North Bergen adopted new rules. Short-term rentals can't run more than 60 nights yearly, and owners must live on-site as their main home.

Renters can't run these operations. Nobody gets more than two permits.

"This ordinance establishes clear rules that protect our neighborhoods while allowing limited, responsible short-term rentals in appropriate situations," Mayor Nick Sacco wrote in a statement, according to News12 New Jersey. "Our goal is to maintain safe, stable residential communities while ensuring that any short-term rental activity operates with proper oversight and accountability."

Town officials kept their power to check properties and investigate complaints. They can issue fines or yank permits when violations occur.

Rentals already registered with the municipality can keep running, but owners must file for a new permit within 90 days once this law kicks in. The rules become active 20 days after passage. That's when the 90-day clock starts ticking for current operators to submit their applications.

This represents a major change in how North Bergen handles these properties. Anyone renting through online platforms must now meet the live-there requirement. Sixty nights equals about two months. That's the ceiling for all approved operations. The two-permit cap stops anyone from controlling a bunch of rental properties. The renter ban means tenants can't turn around and sublet their places as short-term rentals.

Officials gained enforcement teeth through inspection rights and complaint probes. Break the rules? Face fines or lose your permit.