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

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in New Jersey, but in Camden County the rules are municipality-specific. Camden County does not have a unified countywide ordinance; each township or city enforces its own zoning, licensing, safety, and tax rules. In practice, what is permitted in Collingswood may be prohibited in nearby Haddonfield or Cherry Hill. As an investor, you must confirm the specific rules for the exact property address before listing.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Camden County

• Step 1: Confirm zoning eligibility. Verify the property is in a zone that permits short-term rentals (e.g., commercial or specific mixed-use districts). Municipal zoning offices make this determination.
• Step 2: Secure any required licenses or registrations. Many municipalities require a short-term rental permit or annual registration (for example, Collingswood requires annual registration and a $65 inspection fee per unit for hosts with fewer than eight non-owner-occupied units).
• Step 3: Meet safety and habitability standards. At a minimum, ensure working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed, and maintain safe egress.
• Step 4: Establish compliance operations. Set guest recordkeeping, a 24/7 local contact protocol, and occupancy limits (commonly capped at roughly two guests per bedroom).
• Step 5: Register for and collect taxes. Hosts are generally responsible for collecting the statewide combined tax and any applicable local occupancy taxes.
• Step 6: Monitor platform listings and municipal notices. Comply with advertising requirements, renewal deadlines, and inspection schedules to avoid fines or license suspension.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Permit or Registration (municipality-dependent)
  • Application requirements typically include property address, owner and property agent contacts, proof of ownership, and evidence that the unit complies with local codes.
• Liability Insurance
  • New Jersey hosts commonly carry at least $500,000 in general liability coverage, especially in cities with explicit insurance minimums.
• Safety and Health Compliance
  • Installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations; safe egress routes; adherence to fire safety standards.
• Guest Records and 24/7 Contact Requirements
  • Maintain guest logs as required by the municipality and provide a local responsible party available 24/7 for issues and inspections.
• Zoning Compliance
  • The STR use must align with the property’s zoning designation; restricted zones may make STRs illegal under residential designations.
• Inspections
  • Some municipalities require periodic inspections (Collingswood includes inspection fees as part of registration; fee example: $65 per unit for hosts with fewer than eight non-owner-occupied units).

Specific Regulations: Camden County and New Jersey State

Municipal (Camden County Examples)

• Cherry Hill Township
  • Short-term rentals are restricted; many residential zoning designations treat STRs as illegal. Confirm zoning and obtain written guidance before proceeding.
• Collingswood Borough
  • Annual registration is required.
  • Health and safety practices are mandatory, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Inspection fees apply (example: $65 per unit for hosts with fewer than eight non-owner-occupied units).
• Haddonfield Borough
  • Tight zoning controls; STRs are typically not permitted in single-family residential districts.
• Other Camden County municipalities
  • Rules vary widely. Always consult the specific township or city zoning and code enforcement office for the property address.

State of New Jersey (Statewide Obligations)

• Taxes
  • New Jersey imposes an 11.625% combined rate on short-term rentals, consisting of the 6.625% state sales tax and the 5% state occupancy fee. This rate generally applies statewide unless an exemption exists.
  • Municipalities may add local occupancy taxes up to 3% in some jurisdictions.
  • Certain destinations have additional fees (e.g., Atlantic City’s 9% luxury tax and $1/day promotion fee).
• Insurance
  • While not universal statewide, New Jersey cities frequently require $500,000 in general liability coverage for STRs.
• Safety Standards
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe egress are commonly required at the municipal level.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Municipal violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 per violation.
• Enforcement tools include license suspension or revocation, cease-and-desist orders, and property liens.
• Municipalities actively monitor STR platforms and respond to resident complaints.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Because Camden County’s rules are municipality-specific, the responsible authority is the local code enforcement or zoning office for the township/city where your property is located.

• General Guidance (Camden County):
  • Consult the Camden County government website for links to municipal offices.
• Municipality Examples:
  • Collingswood Borough: Code Enforcement or Borough Clerk (for registration and inspection scheduling).
  • Cherry Hill Township: Zoning/Code Enforcement.
  • Haddonfield Borough: Zoning/Code Enforcement.

Note: Specific emails and phone numbers for these offices were not provided in the source content and may need to be retrieved from official municipal websites or by contacting the municipality directly.

Links to Source Pages

• Lodge Compliance – Camden County STR overview: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/camden-county-nj
• Hostaway – New Jersey STR laws and city examples: www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-new-jersey/
• GovOS – New Jersey STR report (municipal examples, fees, taxes): govos.com/blog/new-jersey-str-report-part-1/

Investor note: In Camden County, “location is everything.” Even within the same county, one town may permit STRs with routine permitting and inspections, while the next town restricts or bans them entirely. Always obtain written confirmation of zoning and permit requirements for the specific address before purchasing or listing.