CITY OF NEWARK WILL ENFORCE ORDINANCE REQUIRING REGISTRATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark is now enforcing a municipal ordinance that requires property owners to register and obtain a permit for short-term rentals from the City's Department of Engineering. They can access applications through a portal on the city's website.

A short-term rental property (STRP) is a dwelling unit that is advertised for and/or used by transient occupants as guests for stays up to 28 continuous days. STRPs do not include rentals to the same occupant for more than 28 days, licensed bed and breakfast establishments, licensed rooming or boarding houses, hotels, and motels.

The streamlined, account-based portal experience at https://newarknjstr.munirevs.com will allow users to easily register their STRPs, update account information, and renew permits annually. Property owners will be asked to upload proof of ownership of the proposed STRP, and proof that it is their principal residence. To help facilitate the implementation of this new ordinance, the City of Newark has partnered with a compliance software platform called GovOS.

"I'm happy that so many property owners in Newark choose to earn extra income while offering short-term rental hospitality to visitors experiencing our city's attractions," said Mayor Baraka. "Too many of them, however, neglect registration, which can result in their being cited for a violation. With registration fees set at $250, it's penny-wise but pound-foolish to risk being fined up to $2000 per violation, per day. So, I encourage everyone offering short-term rentals to be as responsible to their city as they are to their out-of-town guests."

"As Newark continues on the path of constant development, growth, and flourishing opportunities, we are benefitting from and expanding our short-term rental market," said Department of Engineering Director Dolores Martinez Wooden. "This is an opportunity to accommodate individuals and families that want to visit the city and enjoy what Newark has to offer. Whether guests are staying for a show or a sporting event, it is important for short-term rental owners to register their properties and adhere to the highest standards of hospitality. This ordinance helps owners to showcase Newark as a 'must-visit' city and renters to have an experience that leaves them wanting to return."

Effective December 20, 2023, the City of Newark passed a new short-term rental ordinance, Chapter 18:14, requiring any person or entity intending to operate an STRP, or advertise a residential property for use as an STRP, to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit issued by the City of Newark Department of Engineering. Notification about this ordinance will be included in water bills in the coming months.

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