Secaucus Takes On Air B&B, May Fine Homeowners

SECAUCUS, NJ — Secaucus is taking an aggressive stance against Air B&B and short-term rentals — and Air B&B is not happy about it.

At their most recent meeting on June 26, the town council introduced a new ordinance that basically prohibits short-term rentals, which are defined as anyone who rents their home out for 30 days or less.

"Secaucus is not that kind of town; it's not a town that really has a lot of Air B&Bs," said Mayor Mike Gonnelli. "There are only two houses right now that we know do it a lot (rent out on Air B&B). One is on the far end of 9th Street (near Clarendon School) and the other is on Millridge Road."

The new ordinance states that if anyone wants to rent their home out, they are required to have the town approve that there is a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm in the home any time a new tenant comes in, even if it's just for a short-term rental. A homeowner must also obtain a certificate of occupancy (CO) each and every time a new tenant comes in — again, even if it's just for a weekend or a few days.

If a homeowner fails to do either of those two things, they could face fines from the town.

"It's really not a big issue in Secaucus," the town's attorney, Keri Ann Eglentowicz, told Patch at the council meeting. "The last time we checked there were only two homes in Secaucus advertising on Air B&B. This is more the town trying to get out ahead of this before it becomes a problem."

Secaucus, with its well-kept homes, extremely close proximity to New York City and lots of mass transit options, has the potential to become an Air B&B bonanza. But the town many be acting to protecting the local hotel industry. Jersey City limited Air B&B there, and New York City tried to make Air B&B illegal, although New York's attempts are currently being challenged in federal court.

"We are concerned by how this broad and sweeping ban will hurt local Secaucus residents who rely on home sharing for extra income, as well as small businesses that benefit from visitors," an Air B&B spokeswoman, Liz DeBold Fusco, told the Hudson Reporter. "We've worked with dozens of municipalities across the state — and we would be open to doing the same in Secaucus."

If homeowners or renters are found to be advertising their homes on Air B&B and other sites, they will first be sent a warning letter from the town, said Eglentowicz.

"We are not trying to punish homeowners," she said.

The new rules are expected to be voted on at the next Secaucus council meeting, July 23.