🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - East Brunswick, NJ
East Brunswick Eyes Stricter Rules as Backyard Rentals Stir Neighborhood Complaints
East Brunswick Cracks Down on STR Chaos
East Brunswick is stepping up its short-term rental (STR) regulations after residents raised alarms about disruptions caused by some rental activities — including a backyard swimming pool being rented by the hour with added perks like a tiki bar, volleyball equipment, and internet access.
Mayor Brad Cohen told the Township Council that these types of rentals have sparked serious quality-of-life issues. “People from all over come in and park on the roadways… they're up to the wee hours with loud noises, making messes, leaving dirt and garbage on people's property and on the roads,” he said. While such activities might work on sprawling estates, most East Brunswick homes simply aren’t equipped to handle them, Cohen noted, and neighbors bear the brunt.
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In response, the Township Council introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 182 of the Township Code, which governs short-term rentals. The changes are designed to balance homeowners’ rights with the community’s need for peace and safety.
👉 Key provisions include:
- Rental Limits: Non-owner-occupied rentals are capped at 90 nights per year, with each additional night counted as a violation.
- Booking Service Registration: Platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com must register with the Township’s Code Enforcement Officer, pay a $100 annual registration fee, and confirm that the property has a valid permit before charging rental fees.
- Advertising Restrictions: Any STR advertised without a valid permit — online, in print, or via signage — may face fines.
- Compliance Requirements: Owners must provide listing identifiers and service names to the Township before bookings begin.
- Occupancy Limits: No more guests than the posted maximum are allowed. Violations can lead to fines or permit suspension, with repeated offenses triggering more severe penalties.
Township officials emphasize that the new ordinance isn’t meant to punish responsible rental owners but to ensure that STR activity doesn’t disrupt neighbors’ lives. With these measures, East Brunswick aims to maintain its welcoming community atmosphere while still allowing residents to participate in the short-term rental market responsibly.
The public will have a chance to voice opinions at a Public hearing on October 13, 2025, giving neighbors and property owners the opportunity to weigh in before the ordinance takes effect.
As STR popularity grows nationwide, East Brunswick’s move illustrates how communities can proactively manage rentals to protect quality of life without banning them outright. The ordinance serves as a reminder that with freedom comes responsibility — and that responsible rentals must coexist with neighborhood harmony.
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