On November 5th, 2019, Jersey City voters will decide a referendum question on whether to effect or overturn a new city law that regulates short-term rentals of properties, for example via sites such as Airbnb, Homeaway, and Vacation Rentals by Owners (VBRO).
Opponents of the regulations say that
- short-term rentals provide an important income opportunity for operators, including those that currently rent their homes, and
- the regulations
- encumber home-owners’ property rights and
- are onerous.
Supporters of the regulations claim that
- the increase in number of homes that have been converted to short-term rentals, and
- the detail that a majority (57%) of these short-term rentals in Jersey City are operated by out-of-town, absentee hosts that have created de-facto hotels in the middle of residential neighborhoods in combination with
- a lack of enforceable regulations
have created an untenable situation, and cause noise and other disturbances and increased cost of living. They also point to that resident home owners can continue to share their home on a short-term basis for unlimited lengths of time while they live in the home and for up to 60 days when they are away; proponents say this is a reasonable limitation in a residential neighborhood.
This is an important and hotly debated question. This website has been created by Jersey City residents, for Jersey City residents, with the objectives of:
- providing factual information on the current short-term rental regulations already in effect in Jersey City
- providing factual information on the new short-term rental regulations proposed for Jersey City
- highlighting short term-rental regulations other cities have adopted and
- providing links to ordinance and reference material, further reading and resources.
This website aims to relay the facts about the regulations in an objective and accurate manner. We are offended and outraged that outside groups are sowing misinformation and confusion to influence the outcome of the ballot question. We encourage you to be skeptical of the flyers that you may receive in the mail, propaganda videos that you may encounter online, and canvassers that may knock on your door or approach you on the street.
We strive to describe the regulations accurately and provide an antidote to the misinformation that you are exposed to from other sources. Any potentially subjective comments are under headings “Commentary / Analysis”. If you find anything on this site that describes the regulations in a factually incorrect manner, please contact us and we will aim to address any inaccuracies promptly.
A good way to understand the proposed regulations is to go to the source and read the actual ordinance / regulations text. It can be found here. Another good way is to read up on this website and explore the resources that are linked.
Most importantly: educate yourself on the topic, find your polling station and get out and vote on November 5th! Make sure your voice is heard and your opinion is counted – our democracy depends on it!
Thank you for your interest,
Your Fellow Jersey City Residents and Neighbors
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Jersey City Short-Term Rental Facts 