Concerns Of Strangers, Transients Prompt Bridgewater To Limit Airbnbs, Short-Term Rentals

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Concerns of transients and strangers arriving on an almost daily basis to one Bridgewater neighborhood has prompted the Township Council to take action against Airbnb and short-term rentals.

"This is not a weekend rental, this is all week long. This is essentially being used as a boarding house," said Gateshead Drive resident Carolyn Sullivan, who noted that one particular home on the street was not just having parities but bringing in "all sort of transient people."

Other residents on the street also brought up safety issues.

"It's not a great feeling always having to have your guard up. Wondering who's in there. What's their background? Are they criminals? Are they pedophiles? I'm sorry I am saying it because I don’t know the answer but Airbnb doesn't do a background check," said Gateshead Drive resident Anthony Wagar.

"The truth of the matter is you can't have transients, a variety of strangers, on a regular basis because something bad is going to happen," continued Wagar.

Township Administrator Michael Pappas put on a presentation at the July 20 meeting proposing the Council issue an ordinance to limit short-term rentals to no shorter than a 30-period to address the many complaints received from residents over the past couple of months.

"The concern is as we began to do some research on the internet through Airbnb websites we found properties in Bridgewater were made available as an Airbnb or short-term rentals," said Pappas. "One particular neighborhood, one particular single-family home was being utilized on a regular basis for events that were not hosted by the family or person who owns the home."

As a result, township officials are conducting investigations.

Councilman Timothy Ring said he was "shocked" to find many township homes for rent some going for as little as $50 a night or mansions with hot tubs and pools going for $1,600 a night.

"In some instances, you would think this is more prevalent in communities that are more of a recreational appeal such as the Jersey Shore but it turns out that is not necessarily the case," said Pappas. "This is a very desirable community to live in and we are learning perhaps even to visit under these circumstances."

Ring suggested the ordinance include safety enforcements as well.

"These short-term rentals are not held to same life safety standards that a hotel would have," said Ring.

The 30-day minimum limit for the rentals was something Pappas said he found was similar to other municipalities' ordinances.

"It seems like 30 days gives homeowners the necessary flexibility in instances when they may need or want to rent their home for a period of time without it becoming party central which seems to be the case now," said Council President Michael Kirsh.

Kirsh said the Council is hoping to have the new ordinance written up for a first reading at the Aug. 3 meeting. However, he said the council "might call a special meeting to not lose the entire 2023 summer season."

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.