Airbnb Owners In Hoboken, Guttenberg Offer Rentals For World Cup, But Regulations Differ

NORTH JERSEY — With World Cup fans descending on North Jersey in June to watch the matches, officials in cities like Hoboken and Guttenberg are discussing how to regulate their short-term Airbnb rentals.

While some waterfront cities in Hudson County have imposed restrictions on short-term rentals, others are still debating whether to clamp down months before the games.

Hoboken Councilman Joe Quintero said he wants to enact more regulations for his city's Airbnbs in advance of the event.

Hoboken hasn't placed many regulations on owners renting out their condos and apartments, although the units in rent-controlled buildings may only be offered according to the legal rents.

In the mile-square city on the Hudson River, dozens of units are available for rent on any given day.

Cheryl Fallick, an affordable housing advocate in Hoboken, said this week that any new regulations imposed before the matches aren't likely to go far enough.

"These so-called guardrails don’t change the reality that people don’t want strangers cycling through their buildings," she wrote. "They also don’t stop residents from feeling unsafe. Guardrails don’t protect neighbors who didn’t sign up to live in a de facto hotel."

Councilman Paul Presinzano, who chairs the Community Development South subcommittee, said his committee has been discussion potential regulations, but there's more work to do before any changes are rolled out.

"We have had some preliminary discussions," he told Patch on Tuesday. "There are many issues the committee want to address before rolling out patchwork legislation. Make no mistake, we need to have a framework for this in Hoboken. However, it must include input from stakeholders and not [be] a burden to city resources."

Hoboken's Train Terminal has buses that run to the American Dream complex adjacent to MetLife Stadium, and trains to the Secaucus Junction station across Route 3.

'Best Of Both Worlds'

Airbnb announced last month that they will offer a $750 bonus to new hosts who offer their entire home for rent during the matches, in areas with host cities.

Wayne Zitt, the mayor of the tiny Hudson County riverfront town of Guttenberg, said he recently partnered with Airbnb to promote units in his city.

Unlike Hoboken, Guttenberg passed legislation more than three years ago to regulate Airbnbs.

The units can only be rented out in owner-occupied buildings, Zitt said, and each owner can rent out up to two.

Still, there are plenty of units for travelers, Zitt said.

These units may be an alternative to area hotels and motels, which are charging anywhere between $200 and $8,500 per night during the games. READ MORE: NJ Hotel Costs Surpass $8,000 Per Night During World Cup Games

Guttenberg guests can take a bus or ferry to Manhattan or Hoboken, then switch to a train or bus to reach the stadium area.

"We have proximity to New York City, diversity, we have several ethnicities of food, proximity to the stadium," Zitt told Patch.

Zitt said his town will host a free block party next to an Ecuadorean restaurant for the Ecuador game on June 20.

"We welcome everybody," Zitt said. "Our businesses are ready. You have the best of both words — a little city, and then you're a hop, jump to the stadium for the games."

Ivan Valladares, an Airbnb spokesman, said North Jersey is an ideal place to stay for the events.

"New York and New Jersey stand out on affordability as fans plan trips around match dates," he said.

"Our data shows that 84 percent of available listings in New York and New Jersey are priced under $500 per night, with a significant percentage of those bookings to date still available under that price point."

Those who can't afford the World Cup matches may choose to participate in dozens of fan events and promotions that are scheduled around North Jersey.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently pledged $5M in funds for World Cup events in neighborhoods throughout the Garden State. READ MORE: World Cup Fan Festival At Liberty State Park To Be Replaced By $5M In Events Statewide

A slate of "Flag City" events wasannounced for Bergen and Hudson counties, including a kickoff event in Jersey City on June 12. That event will take place on the city's waterfront, accessible by train. More details will be announced at a future date.

The American Dream complex, adjacent to MetLife, announced on Tuesday that they are planning events throughout the matches.

READ MORE: World Cup 'Flag City' Events Slated For Bergen County, Jersey City, Newark, Meadowlands