Manchester Prepares To Ban Short-Term Rentals

MANCHESTER, NJ — Seeing the problems that arose in nearby towns last summer when homes advertised for short-term rentals were used for large, rowdy house parties, the Manchester Township Council on Monday introduced an ordinance that would ban short-term rentals in the township.

The ordinance is due for a second reading and final vote at the Feb. 8 council meeting.

It would bar renting any residential property for less than 30 days, which would prevent weekly rentals and other short-term situations that are popular on sites such as Airbnb.

Last summer, there were several instances where homes rented through an internet service were used to host raucous parties, and police were called from neighboring towns to help quell disturbances. A home in Jackson drew 700 people and took several hours to disperse. The home had been rented through Airbnb, which tightened its rules and filters to prevent such rentals going forward, not only in New Jersey but across the country.

The full ordinance is on page 52 of the Jan. 25 agenda, here.

It also spells out in one document the rules and regulations surrounding renting homes, apartments or other long-term living in one place.

"The township wishes to codify rules, regulations and a permit process in an effort to ensure that rental properties in the township do not result in public nuisance, noise complaints, sanitation issues, overcrowding and illegal parking within residental neighborhoods of the township," the ordinance says.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Manchester Patch on Facebook.