New Jersey Municipalities Ban Short-Term Rentals Despite World Cup Demand

Ten towns in northern New Jersey have blocked short-term rentals under 30 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives. This creates a housing shortage for over 1 million soccer fans who'll attend matches at MetLife Stadium. Affected areas include Englewood, Kearny, West New York, Union City, and Edgewater.

Airbnb offers homeowners in 53 ZIP codes across 32 municipalities $750 bonuses to list properties during the international tournament. But officials in several towns say they'll prosecute anyone who breaks local ordinances.

"When you have a game played in your backyard, you want to be hospitable," said Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, according to Gothamist. "Those who violate the law will be prosecuted."

The tournament runs June 13 through July 19. Eight matches will happen at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including the final.

No single state law governs short-term rentals in New Jersey. Towns make their own rules through zoning regulations, permit requirements, and outright bans.

Kearny sits less than 3 miles from the stadium and passed a complete ban on stays under 30 days. Violations carry fines of $750 per day and up to 10 days in jail. This working-class suburb houses 40,000 people and has been called "Soccertown USA" because of its rich soccer tradition.

Edgewater Borough Administrator Gregory Franz said his waterfront community won't relax its restrictions. Franz called the platform's cash incentives "an unscrupulous tactic."

"We're gonna come down hard on the property owner and, unfortunately, the people that rent it," said Franz.

At least 28 properties in Englewood were available to rent on Airbnb during a three-day period in mid-June, according to a review of listings. All violate town law.

Elizabeth allows owners to get licenses for short-term rentals in specific zones. Mayor Christian Bollwage said the regulations set "clear expectations" while still giving owners opportunities to earn money.

Leonia loosened its ban on short-term rentals in December to let property owners "earn a few bucks" from the World Cup, said Mayor William Ziegler in a statement.

Airbnb's North American Policy Director Nathan Rotman said hosts are expected to follow local laws. The company plans to roll out incentives to other locations past the existing 53 ZIP codes.