Middle residents can now register online for a short-term rental license
Licensing program balances homeowners’ earning potential with need for safety standards
Those who rent out their properties through Airbnb and similar marketplaces can comply with
Middle Township’s new short-term rental ordinance by registering through an online portal.
Beautiful beaches, the Cape May County Zoo, golf courses, restaurants, breweries, and wineries are just a few of the many attractions that draw tourists to Middle Township.
Now travelers can rest assured that their short-term rental meets local regulations.
Middle Township approved an ordinance over the summer to require licenses for short-term rentals and recently set up a portal so property owners can register online.
“Short-term rentals offer convenience for tourists and revenue opportunities for property owners. We established a reasonable set of standards to ensure the safety and success of the process for all parties,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “It also was important to create a vetting system to preserve the integrity of our residential areas.”
opens in a new windowShort-term rental applicants will use the municipal licensing program GovPilot, which is the same system used to access birth, marriage, and death certificates; public records and – starting in 2023 – dog licenses.
An annual short-term rental license is $250 and runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Anyone who applies before the start of the year will be covered through Dec. 31, 2023.
Middle Township also will receive revenue through occupancy taxes collected by the state. Those who rent Middle Township properties through online marketplaces such as VRBO, Airbnb and
Facebook will pay a 3 percent occupancy tax. The tax only applies to online listings, and not those rented through a real estate agent, newspaper ad or other means.
The criteria to register a short-term rental in Middle Township are:
• A completed landlord registration form
• Proof of liability insurance, including coverage specific to short-term liability insurance
• Proof of being current with taxes and sewer bills
• Certification of satisfactory fire inspection
The Township will review the registration and contact the applicant if they need to complete some of the requirements. If a fire inspection is needed, the township will ask the Fire Bureau to follow up with the applicant.
Property owners can learn more about the short-term rental licensing process and use of the portal during a Nov. 21 Township Committee work session.
