Camden County, located in southern New Jersey and part of the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area, has become a growing hub for both local tourism and business travelers. However, short-term rental (STR) laws in the county can vary widely depending on the specific municipality. If you’re planning to rent out a property in Camden County on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, you must first understand the local ordinances that apply to your exact location.
Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Camden County?
Yes, but regulations are municipality-specific. Camden County itself does not have a single unified short-term rental policy. Instead, STR laws are enforced at the township or city level, meaning that places like Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Gloucester Township, and Haddonfield may each have their own set of rules and permit requirements.
For example:
- Cherry Hill Township currently restricts short-term rentals and may consider them illegal under most residential zoning designations.
- Collingswood has implemented rental registration and code enforcement programs, and short-term rentals may require approval or be limited to specific zones.
- Haddonfield is known for tight zoning controls, and STRs are typically not permitted in single-family residential districts.
Always check with the local zoning or code enforcement office of your specific municipality before listing your unit.
General STR Requirements Across Camden County
While specific rules vary, most towns that allow STRs enforce the following common standards:
- Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is in a zone that permits short-term rentals.
- Permit or Registration: You may need to apply for a short-term rental license, rental certificate, or zoning permit.
- Safety Standards: Properties must comply with fire safety, including working smoke detectors, CO alarms, and safe egress.
- Occupancy Limits: Generally, 2 guests per bedroom is the maximum, with additional limits depending on unit size.
- Local Contact Requirement: If you don’t reside in the unit, a local manager may need to be available 24/7.
- Tax Obligations: New Jersey imposes a statewide 11.625% tax on STRs unless exempted, and municipalities may have their own local hotel/motel taxes.
Fines and Enforcement
Failure to comply with municipal short-term rental laws can result in significant penalties, including:
- Fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 per violation
- License suspension or revocation
- Cease-and-desist orders or property liens
Most townships actively monitor listings on short-term rental platforms and rely on resident complaints to identify unauthorized rentals.
Why It Matters
Camden County municipalities are focused on protecting long-term housing stock and community character while allowing limited STR activity in appropriate zones. Understanding these hyper-local rules is essential to operate your rental legally and avoid costly enforcement actions.
Even if one township permits STRs, the next one over might ban them entirely—so double-check before you launch your listing.
Stay Compliant with LC
Lodge Compliance makes it easy to manage STR regulations across Camden County’s complex municipal landscape. Use our tools to:
- Identify zoning and permit rules by town
- Monitor license renewal dates
- Stay updated on NJ state tax obligations
- Access safety checklists and documentation tools
Before you list, be sure you’re allowed. Use Lodge Compliance to stay informed and fully compliant in Camden County.