Executive Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Hopatcong?

Yes—short‑term rentals are permitted in Hopatcong, NJ, subject to a municipal registration/permit process, ongoing compliance reporting, and occupancy rules codified in Borough Code §189‑7. Key requirements include:

• A valid STR permit is required before advertising or renting.
• For each reservation, you must file a Change of Occupancy Notification at least 24 hours before the start of the rental period.
• A primary occupant who is at least 21 years old must execute the rental agreement and occupy the property during the term; guests under 21 are allowed only as companions of an adult (21+) primary occupant.
• Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per violation, per day the violation exists. The Borough’s STR application and related forms are available on its official website; see “Links to Source Pages.”

How to Start an STR Business in Hopatcong

Step 1: Review Borough Code and Requirements

• Begin with Hopatcong Code §189‑7 (hosting/occupancy standards), which sets the primary 21+ occupant requirement and establishes the framework for occupancy reporting. The Code Book is publicly available via the Borough’s website.

Step 2: Obtain the STR Permit

• Download and complete the Short Term Rental Application from the Borough Clerk’s Forms & Applications page.
• Submit the application and any required supporting materials/fees to the Borough as instructed on the application page.

Step 3: Prepare for Ongoing Compliance Reporting

• For every reservation, you must submit a Short‑term Rental Change of Occupancy Notification at least 24 hours prior to the start of the rental period. This filing must include:
  • Identity of each transient occupant (names and ages)
  • Dates of the rental period
  • Transient contact information
  • Vehicle identification (year, make, model, color, plate, and state)
• Filings must be submitted electronically to the Department of Municipal Housing Liaison, or via the Borough’s specified electronic format. Failure to file on time is a violation.

Step 4: Operating Practices

• Enforce the “primary occupant 21+” rule in your listing, screening, and agreements; require that the signing adult is the actual occupant for the stay.
• Maintain consistent occupancy limits and avoid renting to multiple parties simultaneously (i.e., no “double‑booking” scenarios).
• Build a process to collect and submit the occupancy notification 24+ hours before each check‑in; automate reminders to reduce human error.

Step 5: Tax Registration and Remittance

• New Jersey imposes a 6.625% state sales tax and a 5% hotel occupancy tax on transient accommodations. Obtain any necessary tax certificates and set up collection/remittance processes. If you use a third‑party platform, the platform may collect and remit these taxes on your behalf; confirm your responsibilities with the platform and the NJ Division of Taxation.

Step 6: Annual Renewal and Inspections

• Plan for annual registration/inspection per Borough practice. Arrange inspections promptly and keep records of all filings and approvals.

Step 7: Recordkeeping and Audit Readiness

• Retain copies of all applications, permits, inspection reports, and each Change of Occupancy Notification (including submission confirmations). This supports compliance and aids in resolving any disputes or inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Documents and Filings

• Short Term Rental Application (initial permit)
  • Purpose: Register the property as a short‑term rental and obtain authorization to operate.
• Short‑term Rental Change of Occupancy Notification (per reservation)
  • Purpose: Provide real‑time occupancy information to the Borough.
  • Required content (per Borough Code §189‑7 H.):
    • Identity of each transient occupant (names and ages)
    • Dates of the rental period (commencement and expiration)
    • Transient contact information
    • Vehicle identification details
  • Submission: At least 24 hours before each rental period begins; electronic submission to the Municipal Housing Liaison (or Borough’s electronic format).

Compliance Guidelines

• Age Restriction: No STR rental to anyone younger than 21 years of age. The primary occupant executing the agreement must be 21+ and must be the actual occupant. Guests under 21 may accompany the 21+ primary occupant. Both the owner and the primary occupant are responsible for compliance.
• Quiet Hours and Community Standards: Observe local quiet hours and neighborhood rules. Borough Code §189‑7 sets the framework; additionalquiet‑hours details may be specified by ordinance or enforcement practice.
• Maximum Occupancy: Rent only to a single party and do not exceed the property’s stated maximum occupancy. (See “Specific Regulations.”)

Tax Registration

• State Sales Tax (6.625%) and Hotel Occupancy Tax (5%): Register and collect these taxes on bookings; remit per NJ Division of Taxation guidance or confirm platform remittance arrangements if applicable.

Specific Regulations (Borough, County, and State)

Borough of Hopatcong (Municipal)

• Hopatcong Code §189‑7 governs short‑term rentals and sets:
  • Age minimum: Primary occupant must be 21+; no renting to anyone under 21.
  • Occupancy reporting: File a Change of Occupancy Notification for every new rental period; include names/ages of occupants, rental dates, transient contact info, and vehicle details.
  • Submission timing: At least 24 hours before the start of each rental period.
  • Penalties: Violations subject to fines up to $2,000 per violation, per day the violation continues.
  • Single‑party occupancy: Properties must not be rented to more than one party at a time and must not exceed maximum occupancy limits. (See Borough application materials; occupancy limits may be specified in the application or Code.)
• Noise/community rules and inspection standards: The Borough operates a permitting and inspection framework; follow the process outlined in application materials and Code Book. Quiet hours are locally enforced; confirm specifics via Borough ordinances and Code updates.

County (Sussex County)

• No county‑specific short‑term rental ordinances are provided in the materials reviewed. Operators should monitor County communications in case of future updates.

State of New Jersey

• State sales tax of 6.625% applies to transient accommodations.
• Hotel occupancy tax of 5% applies to transient accommodations.
• Hosts should obtain the appropriate tax registrations and implement collection/remittance procedures. If a platform acts as the merchant of record, it may collect these taxes on your behalf; otherwise, you must collect and remit directly.

Contact Information for the Local Authority

Borough of Hopatcong

• Mailing Address: 111 River Styx Road, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
• Phone: 973‑770‑1200
• Website: hopatcong.org
• STR Application Page: Departments → Borough Clerk/Registrar → Forms & Applications → Short Term Rental Application (see Links)
• Department: Department of Municipal Housing Liaison
  • Electronic submission of the Change of Occupancy Notification is directed to this department via Borough channels or the online form referenced on the application page.

Note: For questions about tax registrations, consult the NJ Division of Taxation.

Links to Source Pages

• Short Term Rental Application page (Hopatcong Borough Clerk/Registrar)
  • hopatcong.org/departments/borough_clerk_registrar/forms___applications/short_term_rental_application.php
• Hopatcong Code Book (including §189‑7)
  • ecode360.com/HO0258?needHash=true
• Summer guide summarizing STR regulations and taxes in Hopatcong (third‑party overview; verify details with Borough and NJ tax authorities)
  • www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/hopatcong-new-jersey

Practical reminder: Automation is your friend. Set calendar‑based reminders and workflows to ensure every reservation’s Change of Occupancy Notification is submitted at least 24 hours before check‑in, and always require the primary guest to be 21+. If you use a property manager or platform, confirm in writing who files the notifications and who bears responsibility for penalties should filings be missed.