Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ringwood, NJ?

Short-Term Rentals (rentals of less than 30 days, typical of platforms like Airbnb) are permitted in Ringwood provided operators comply with all applicable local, county, and state regulations. Ringwood does not appear to have a standalone "STR Ordinance" or a dedicated "STR permit" category distinct from standard rental regulations. Therefore, STRs are governed by the same foundational requirements as long-term rentals in the borough, with additional state-level tax obligations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ringwood

Operating an STR in Ringwood requires three core steps:

1. Landlord Registration: Register the rental property with the Borough Clerk before renting.
2. Fire Safety Compliance: Obtain a Certificate of Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm, and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance from the Fire Prevention Bureau.
3. State Tax Compliance: Register and collect/remit New Jersey's State Occupancy Tax (also known as the "Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee") on all rental transactions.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

| Requirement | Issuing Authority | Purpose | Validity/Renewal | |------------|-------------------|---------|-----------------| | Landlord Registration Form | Borough Clerk | State-mandated registration of all rental properties (residential & vacant). | Must be amended whenever information changes. A copy must be given to each tenant. | | Certificate of Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm, and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance | Fire Prevention Bureau (Fire Marshal) | State-mandated safety inspection and certification for all residential property sales, transfers, or rentals (applies to STRs). | Certificate is valid for six months or until another change in occupancy occurs, whichever comes first. Requires a new inspection and certificate for each new occupancy cycle (e.g., each new STR booking). | | New Jersey State Occupancy Tax Registration | NJ Division of Taxation | Collect and remit the state-imposed occupancy tax on STR rentals. | Registration required before collecting taxes. Ongoing compliance & remittance. | | Application for Fire Safety Inspection | Fire Prevention Bureau | Initiate the compliance inspection process. | Submitted before the inspection with applicable fee. See application linked below. |

• Source Links for Required Forms/Documents:
  • Landlord Registration Form (Rental Property): Landlord Registration Form
  • Landlord Registration Form (Vacant Property): Vacant Property Registration Form
  • Fire Inspection Application & Instructions: Fire Inspection Application & Instructions
  • State Occupancy Tax Info (via NJ Division of Taxation - registration required): Not provided in Ringwood content, but information available via NJ Division of Taxation.

Specific Regulations (Ringwood, Passaic County, New Jersey State)

• Ringwood (Municipal): The borough mandates landlord registration and fire safety inspections for all rental occupancy transitions (sale, transfer, rental). STRs fall under "rental" here.
• Passaic County (County): No specific STR regulations were found in the provided Ringwood content.
• New Jersey (State):
  • Registration: Landlords must register rental properties with the municipal clerk.
  • Safety Compliance: Inspection and certification of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and portable fire extinguishers is required before occupancy (N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19).
  • Occupancy Tax: Short-Term Rentals are subject to New Jersey's State Occupancy Tax. Hosts are responsible for registering with the NJ Division of Taxation, collecting the tax from guests, and remitting it. Rates vary (common rates are 6.625% state tax + local fees depending on location). Contact the NJ Division of Taxation or a tax professional for current rates and registration.
  • Municipal Preemption: While state law provides the baseline, individual municipalities can enact more stringent regulations (e.g., permits, caps, bans). Ringwood appears to currently rely on state standards for core safety and rental registration without city-specific STR limits in the provided content.

Contact Information for Local Authority

• Municipal Building: (973) 962-7037
• Borough Clerk (Landlord Registration): Borough Clerk, Municipal Building, 60 Margaret King Ave., Ringwood, NJ 07456. (Use the main number to reach the Clerk's office).
• Fire Prevention Bureau / Fire Marshal (Inspections & Certificates):
  • Fire Marshal: Scott Conley
  • Phone: (973) 475-7132
  • Email: sconley@ringwoodnj.net
  • Inspection Location: Fire Prevention Bureau, Municipal Building (during scheduled Wednesday inspections).
• Police Department: (973) 962-7017
• Water & Sewer Billing (Potential Tax Record Contact): waterbills@ringwoodnj.net
• Municipal Website: https://www.ringwoodnj.net/

Key Sources & Links

1. Borough of Ringwood - Building & Zoning - "Renting Out Your Home?" Page: https://www.ringwoodnj.net/content/2347/2355/14087.aspx (Main source for landlord registration, fire inspection requirements, forms, and contacts)
2. Landlord Registration Form (Rental): LANDLORD_REGISTRATION_FORM_Revised.pdf
3. Vacant Property Registration Form: VACANT_REGISTRATION_FORM.pdf
4. Fire Inspection Application & Instructions: Fire_inspection_application_and_instructions_-_10.28.2021_revision.pdf
5. Hostaway Blog: "Airbnb Rules in New Jersey": https://www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-new-jersey/ (Source for general NJ state occupancy tax context; Note: Not specific to Ringwood).