Jersey City vs Washington DC
New Jersey Restricted | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | 60 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Jersey City, New Jersey
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal
Tax Rate 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee
Day Limit 60 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Jersey City Overview
Adopted after 2019 voter referendum. Owner-occupied only — tenants and rent-controlled units prohibited. Unhosted stays capped at 60 nights/year. Only buildings with fewer than 4 units eligible.
Full Jersey City guide →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Washington DC?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Washington DC?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.