Is Englewood, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Englewood, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Englewood Planning and Zoning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to primary residences with owner occupancy requirements. Contact the Bergen County Health Department for any required health permits and ensure compliance with New Jersey state tax requirements by registering with the Division of Taxation for sales tax collection. Find a suitable property in residential zones like the East Hill or Palisade Avenue areas, ensuring it meets safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 for a one-bedroom setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to NYC (15 minutes via bus), local attractions like Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, and nearby restaurants along Palisade Avenue. Set competitive pricing around $80-$150 per night based on seasonal demand and NYC event calendars. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and coordinating with local cleaning services like those found through Englewood's business directory, while ensuring compliance with the city's noise ordinances and parking regulations that may limit guest vehicle access in residential areas.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Englewood, New Jersey, focus on locations within walking distance of major transportation hubs like the Englewood train station and bus routes to NYC, as well as properties near the Palisades Interstate Park and downtown commercial areas along Palisade Avenue. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking spaces, outdoor areas, and updated kitchens/bathrooms, as these appeal to business travelers and families visiting the NYC metro area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue (typically $150-300/night in Englewood) exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, while analyzing comparable listings on Airbnb and VRBO within a 2-mile radius to understand seasonal demand patterns and occupancy rates. Research competition by monitoring existing STR listings in neighborhoods like East Hill and West Englewood, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets market analysis, Zillow rental estimates, and local MLS data through real estate agents familiar with Bergen County, while consulting Englewood's zoning regulations and HOA restrictions since some areas may limit short-term rentals, and consider properties near Englewood Hospital, local corporate offices, and family attractions that drive consistent demand year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Englewood, New Jersey, you must first contact the Englewood Building Department at City Hall located at 10 East Palisade Avenue to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the city has implemented regulations for STRs since approximately 2019. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plans of the rental unit, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. The application fee is estimated at $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $150-200, and you may need additional inspections costing $75-150 each. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, during which the city will conduct safety and zoning compliance inspections. Specific Englewood requirements include maintaining a 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking spaces, ensuring the property meets all fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Englewood, New Jersey are generally prohibited for residential properties under the city's zoning ordinances, which restrict rentals of less than 30 days in most residential zones to preserve neighborhood character and housing stock. The city has maintained strict regulations against STRs since around 2018-2019, following concerns about housing availability and community impact, with violations subject to fines and enforcement action. Properties in commercial or mixed-use zones may have different regulations, but residential areas including single-family and multi-family districts typically prohibit rentals under 30 days. Englewood's approach aligns with several other Bergen County municipalities that have restricted or banned STRs, and there have been no significant recent changes to liberalize these restrictions as of 2023-2024, with the city continuing to prioritize long-term housing stability over short-term rental tourism.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Englewood, New Jersey include the downtown district near North Van Brunt Street and Palisade Avenue, which offers proximity to NYC transportation via bus routes and attracts business travelers working in Manhattan who prefer quieter suburban accommodations. The residential neighborhoods near Mackay Park and Flat Rock Brook Nature Center appeal to families visiting the area for outdoor recreation and those seeking peaceful retreats from urban environments. Areas close to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center present opportunities for medical tourism and visitors to patients, while properties near the Englewood Golf Club attract leisure travelers and golf enthusiasts. The neighborhoods adjacent to Bergen Community College draw parents visiting students and temporary housing needs for faculty, and the historic district around East Palisade Avenue offers charm for tourists exploring New Jersey's heritage while maintaining easy access to New York City via the George Washington Bridge, making it attractive for visitors who want Manhattan access without Manhattan prices.

Airbnb properties in Englewood, New Jersey are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 90 days and is collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Bergen County imposes an additional hotel/motel occupancy tax of 5% on transient accommodations, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 11.625% on gross rental receipts. The City of Englewood does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023, though hosts must register their properties and obtain proper licensing through the city's short-term rental ordinance. Tax collection is typically handled through Airbnb's automatic tax collection service for registered hosts, though individual hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper remittance to state and county authorities. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain medical or emergency housing situations may qualify for reduced rates under specific circumstances.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Englewood, New Jersey is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $550,000-$650,000 based on median home prices in Bergen County. Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals cost $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $4,800. Additional considerations include potential property taxes of $15,000-$20,000 annually and a recommended cash reserve of $10,000-$15,000 for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Englewood, New Jersey typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$15,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-$50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in Englewood achieving higher margins by targeting business travelers visiting nearby New York City corporations like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, as well as families attending events at MetLife Stadium. Properties within walking distance of Englewood's NJ Transit stations command premium rates due to easy Manhattan access, with some hosts reporting 80%+ occupancy rates and $25,000+ annual profits on properties purchased around 2019-2020. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, strategic pricing using dynamic tools, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings, while properties lacking these elements often struggle with 40-50% occupancy and minimal profitability after expenses.

Airbnb investments in Englewood, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near NYC transit connections can achieve higher returns of 12-15% annually, while standard residential properties average 8-10%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with break-even on cash investment typically reached in 24-36 months depending on property acquisition costs and renovation expenses. The proximity to Manhattan (approximately 20 minutes by bus or train) drives strong demand from business travelers and tourists, with average daily rates of $120-180 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties requiring minimal renovation work achieve faster profitability timelines of 12-18 months, while extensive rehab projects may extend the timeline to 36-48 months but can yield higher long-term returns of 15-18% once stabilized.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Englewood, New Jersey. Local real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Fort Lee and RE/MAX Advantage Plus in nearby Fort Lee have experience with investment properties in the Englewood area. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, and AirDNA for market data analysis. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while Roofstock focuses on turnkey rental properties. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa can help manage Airbnb properties once purchased. Real estate investment firms such as Awning and Arrived Homes offer services for short-term rental investments. Additionally, local mortgage brokers like those at Cross Country Mortgage and Guaranteed Rate can provide financing specifically for investment properties, while companies like Hostfully and Beyond Pricing offer property management and dynamic pricing solutions for Airbnb operations in the Englewood market.