Guide to getting a SEASONAL rental CO in Point Pleasant Beach
Owning a summer rental at the Jersey Shore can be incredibly lucrative—but in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, you must follow strict local regulations before welcoming guests. Whether you’re listing on VRBO, Airbnb, or renting privately, securing a Rental Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a non-negotiable first step.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about obtaining a seasonal rental CO—and how working with Shore Points Vacations can simplify the entire process.
What Is a Rental Certificate of Occupancy in Point Pleasant Beach?
A Rental Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is an official approval from the borough confirming that your property is safe, compliant, and legally approved for tenant occupancy.
In Point Pleasant Beach:
- No rental is permitted without a CO and rental license prior to occupancy
- The property must pass inspection before approval
- Certificates are typically tied to a specific rental period or calendar year
Failing to obtain a CO before advertising or renting can result in fines up to $500 or more
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Seasonal Rental CO
BE PREPARED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION! IMPORTANT INFO YOU’LL WANT READY:
- Accurate address, tax lot/block (can look up within the app), ANY HOA CONTACT INFO (if applicable)
- Complete owner info (sounds simple but ensure you are using the legal owner name including any entitity (LLC)
- # of bedrooms
- All tenant info is required for the application. *Shore Points Vacations provides this to the town so you do not have to
- “Emergency Contact” this is REQUIRED and must be someone local. Shore Points Vacations (James Ward) can be your emergency contact
- Mortgage Details (if you have one)
- Heating type
- Lead Paint Certification (Shore Points Vacations can help you attain this) is REQUIRED if the property was built in 1978 or earlier – and if you plan to do any “winter rentals” or longer
- ***All rentals need to provide an insurance declaration***
- the owner of a business or the owner of a rental unit or units shall maintain liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions in an amount of no less than $500,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence.
- The owner of a multifamily home which is four or fewer units, one of which is owner-occupied, shall maintain liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions in an amount of no less than $300,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence.
- A PARKING DIAGRAM is required. This can be a survey showing a delineated parking area or driveway or can be a simple drawing
1. Submit Your Application
Start by completing the official application through the borough:
- Apply online or via forms from the Building Department – contact Shore Points Vacations for a direct link to the application
- Submit property details and (if available) tenant information
- Pay the required application fee ($300) *There could be additional fees for any re-inspection
2. Schedule and Pass the Inspection
Once your application is submitted and paid:
- The borough schedules an inspection of the property
- Inspectors check:
- Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Structural safety (stairs, railings, decks)
- Windows, utilities, appliances, and exterior condition
You must provide full access to the property, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
3. Correct Any Violations (If Needed)
If your property doesn’t pass inspection:
- You’ll receive a list of violations
- Make corrections promptly
- Request a reinspection
No CO will be issued until all issues are resolved.
4. Receive Your Certificate & Rental License
Once approved:
- You’ll receive your Rental CO + License
- Seasonal licenses expire December 31 of the same year
- You must renew annually for continued seasonal rentals – the cost is $300 each year.
Seasonal Rental Rules You Must Know
Point Pleasant Beach has some of the strictest short-term rental rules on the Jersey Shore:
Summer Season (May 15 – Sept 30)
- Minimum rental: 7 days
- Weekly rentals are allowed
Off-Season (Sept 30 – May 15)
- Minimum rental: 30 days
- Short-term rentals are prohibited
Additional Requirements
- All tenant names and addresses must be reported
- New tenant info must be submitted before occupancy
- Property must comply with occupancy limits and safety codes
Why This Matters for VRBO & Short-Term Rentals
If you’re listing on platforms like VRBO:
- You cannot legally list or rent without a valid CO
- Listings that violate local ordinances risk:
- Removal from platforms
- Fines or license denial
- Revocation of rental privileges
Local enforcement in Point Pleasant Beach is active and strict, especially during peak summer months
Pro Tip: Work with Shore Points Vacations
Managing compliance, inspections, tenant turnover, and bookings can quickly become overwhelming—especially for seasonal owners.
That’s where Shore Points Vacations stands out as the premier short-term rental manager and VRBO property management company on the New Jersey Shore.
What They Handle:
- Rental CO application coordination
- Inspection preparation & compliance guidance
- Tenant screening and registration
- Weekly rental scheduling aligned with local laws
- Professional marketing across VRBO and other platforms
- Full-service property management
Why It Matters:
With constantly evolving ordinances, having a local expert ensures:
- Full legal compliance
- Maximum rental income
- Zero headaches during peak season
Final Thoughts
Getting a seasonal rental Certificate of Occupancy in Point Pleasant Beach isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of running a legal and profitable shore rental.
Quick Recap:
- Apply through the borough
- Pass inspection
- Follow strict seasonal rental rules
- Renew annually
- Stay compliant with tenant reporting
Or better yet—partner with a trusted expert like Shore Points Vacations to handle everything from compliance to bookings.