Absecon, New Jersey
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Absecon, NJ
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STR Regulations for Absecon, New Jersey
Overview: Short-Term Rentals in Absecon, NJ
Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Absecon, New Jersey. The city has established a specific regulatory framework for short-term rentals through Ordinance 09-2020, which amended the city's rental housing regulations. Absecon requires all short-term rental properties to obtain a "Transient Accommodation License" in addition to a base Rental Property Permit. The city has also imposed a 3% Municipal Occupancy Tax on transient accommodations, which is in addition to state-level taxes.
What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Absecon?
Absecon hosts earn a median $40,438/year with $231 ADR and 51% occupancy.
Top performers pull in $46,868+ per year.
See the full Absecon market breakdownHow to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Absecon
Starting a short-term rental business in Absecon requires following a specific licensing process:
Step 1: Obtain Foundation Permits and Registration
- Rental Property Permit: Required for all residential rental properties in Absecon
- Landlord Registration Statement: Must be completed and submitted
- Rental Inspection: Property must pass inspection with Application for Rental Inspection
Step 2: Apply for Transient Accommodation License
- Valid Rental Property Permit: Must provide current valid permit as foundation
- License Fee Payment: Submit the required fee
- Occupancy Tax Acknowledgement: Acknowledge understanding of tax obligations
Step 3: Comply with Tax Requirements
- State Sales Tax: 6.625% on all bookings
- State Occupancy Fee: 5% on all bookings
- Municipal Occupancy Tax: 3% on charges of rent for transient accommodations
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
Document Checklist:
- Rental Property Permit Application Form
- Landlord Registration Statement
- Application for Rental Inspection
- Tenant Registration Form (with all tenants listed)
- Transient Accommodation License Application
- Occupancy Tax Acknowledgment Form
Required Permits and Licenses:
- Rental Property Permit (foundation requirement)
- Transient Accommodation License (specific to short-term rentals)
Associated Fees:
- Inspection Fee: $100.00
- Re-inspection Fee: $25.00
- Transient Accommodation License Fee: $500.00
- Rental Property Registration: Included (no separate fee)
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
City of Absecon Regulations:
- License Requirement: All short-term rentals must have a Transient Accommodation License
- Inspection Requirements: Properties must pass initial inspection and may be subject to re-inspection
- Municipal Occupancy Tax: 3% tax on transient accommodation charges
- Annual Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually (implied by fee structure)
County Regulations:
- The provided content does not specify Atlantic County-specific regulations for short-term rentals
State of New Jersey Regulations:
- Sales Tax: 6.625% state sales tax on all short-term rental bookings
- State Occupancy Fee: 5% hotel and motel occupancy fee on bookings under 90 days
- Registration Requirements: If platforms don't collect taxes, owners must register with NJ Division of Taxation
- Business Entity Registration: If operating as LLC or corporation, must register with NJ Division of Revenue
Compliance Considerations:
- Properties must comply with all local safety and health standards
- Hosts must maintain accurate records of bookings and tax remittance
- Violations can result in fines and potential license revocation
Contact Information
Local Authority Contact:
City of Absecon
- Address: Municipal Complex, 500 Mill Road, Absecon, New Jersey 08201
- Phone: (609) 641-0663, Extension 113
- Website: https://www.abseconnj.gov
- Department: Code Enforcement (for rental properties and transient accommodations)
State Authority Contact:
New Jersey Division of Taxation
Source Links
- Absecon Rental Properties and Transient Accommodation License Guidelines
- City of Absecon Ordinance 09-2020 (Amending Rental Housing Regulations)
- Vacation Rental Management in Absecon, New Jersey (Market Overview)
- Airbnb Rules in New Jersey: Short-Term Rental Laws, Taxes and Regulations
- New Jersey Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2025 Update)
Important Note: Regulations can change frequently. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions or beginning operations. This guide provides a foundation based on available information as of the content provided.
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Absecon
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Overview of Absecon
Absecon is a small city in Atlantic County, in southeastern New Jersey, with a population of approximately 8,500 residents. Set in the flat coastal plain just inland from the Jersey Shore, it has a quiet, residential character that contrasts sharply with the bustle of nearby Atlantic City, to which it serves as an affordable, low-key gateway. The city lies roughly ten miles west-northwest of Atlantic City's boardwalk and beaches, about 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia, and roughly 125 miles south of New York City, making it a convenient base for travelers exploring the southern New Jersey coast.
One of the region's most distinctive landmarks is the Absecon Lighthouse, located a short drive east in Atlantic City. Rising about 171 feet, it is the third-tallest lighthouse in the United States and the tallest in New Jersey. Visitors can climb the 228 steps to the top for sweeping views of the city, the bay, and the Atlantic, and the surrounding keeper's cottage houses a small museum about the light's history and the surrounding maritime environment.
Just east of Absecon, the Atlantic City Boardwalk stretches along the oceanfront and offers an iconic mix of beaches, amusement piers, casino resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Roughly a ten- to fifteen-minute drive from most parts of the city, the boardwalk and its adjacent streets form the cultural and economic heart of the region, drawing visitors year-round for both day trips and longer stays.
A short drive north and west of Absecon lies the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important bird habitats on the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge protects more than 47,000 acres of salt marsh, freshwater wetland, forest, and field, and is home to large populations of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. A network of wildlife drives, walking trails, and observation points makes it a popular destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone interested in the natural side of the Jersey Shore.
To the northeast, the village of Historic Smithville offers a contrasting experience with its colonial-style village of shops, eateries, and galleries clustered around a quaint lake. About a fifteen-minute drive from Absecon, it provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and hosts seasonal festivals and events throughout the year.
Absecon's appeal for short-term rentals lies in this combination of accessibility, affordability, and proximity. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, boardwalk, and nightlife of Atlantic City without paying oceanfront prices, while also having easy access to wildlife refuges, historic villages, and the broader South Jersey coastal region, all within a short drive.
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