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.

How 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:

1. Rental Property Permit Application Form
2. Landlord Registration Statement
3. Application for Rental Inspection
4. Tenant Registration Form (with all tenants listed)
5. Transient Accommodation License Application
6. Occupancy Tax Acknowledgment Form

Required Permits and Licenses:

1. Rental Property Permit (foundation requirement)
2. Transient Accommodation License (specific to short-term rentals)

Associated Fees:

1. Inspection Fee: $100.00
2. Re-inspection Fee: $25.00
3. Transient Accommodation License Fee: $500.00
4. Rental Property Registration: Included (no separate fee)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Absecon Regulations:

1. License Requirement: All short-term rentals must have a Transient Accommodation License
2. Inspection Requirements: Properties must pass initial inspection and may be subject to re-inspection
3. Municipal Occupancy Tax: 3% tax on transient accommodation charges
4. 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:

1. Sales Tax: 6.625% state sales tax on all short-term rental bookings
2. State Occupancy Fee: 5% hotel and motel occupancy fee on bookings under 90 days
3. Registration Requirements: If platforms don't collect taxes, owners must register with NJ Division of Taxation
4. 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

• Website: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/

Source Links

1. Absecon Rental Properties and Transient Accommodation License Guidelines
2. City of Absecon Ordinance 09-2020 (Amending Rental Housing Regulations)
3. Vacation Rental Management in Absecon, New Jersey (Market Overview)
4. Airbnb Rules in New Jersey: Short-Term Rental Laws, Taxes and Regulations
5. 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.