Jackson Township, NJ — Jackson Township officials say hundreds of rental properties remain out of compliance with local registration rules, prompting the township to begin issuing violation notices and warning landlords about mounting penalties.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and township administrators announced this week that a recent audit uncovered 458 rental properties that allegedly failed to properly register with the township’s Rental Safety Housing Bureau. Officials said the violations have already resulted in thousands of dollars in unpaid registration fees and could lead to more than $229,000 in fines.
According to the township, the unregistered properties collectively owe $4,580 in outstanding registration fees. Under current local ordinances, landlords face a $500 penalty for each non-compliant property, bringing the total potential enforcement amount to $233,580.
Violation Notices Scheduled to Begin Friday
Township officials said Notices of Violation (NOVs) will begin going out Friday, May 8, to landlords identified during the compliance review.
The audit was conducted through what officials described as a “cross-comparison” review by township staff to identify rental properties operating without proper registration through the Rental Safety Housing Bureau.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said the township plans to aggressively enforce the ordinance moving forward.
“We are not going to stand for landlords not following the rules,” Kuhn said in a statement released by the township administration. “The Township will fully enforce Council’s ordinances to ensure fairness, safety, and accountability across all rental properties in Jackson.”
Kuhn also accused some landlords of ignoring local laws for years.
“For too long, many landlords have taken advantage of our town and have ignored our laws. Under my administration, that stops now,” she said.
Key Points
• Jackson Township identified 458 rental properties allegedly operating without proper registration
• Landlords could face $500 fines per property under township ordinance
• Officials say total penalties and fees tied to violations exceed $233,000
Township Pushes Rental Compliance Enforcement
The Rental Safety Housing Bureau oversees registration and compliance requirements for rental properties in Jackson Township. Local officials say the system exists to ensure housing accountability, maintain safety standards, and track rental occupancy throughout the municipality.
Township leaders are urging landlords to immediately verify their registration status before additional enforcement measures begin.
The announcement signals a broader push by Jackson Township officials to strengthen rental oversight amid growing concerns about unregistered housing units and code compliance.
While the township did not release a list of the affected properties, officials indicated the enforcement campaign could continue beyond the initial round of notices if violations remain unresolved.
Financial Impact Could Grow for Property Owners
The township’s current estimate includes only initial registration deficiencies and ordinance penalties. Additional legal or enforcement costs could potentially follow if landlords fail to respond to violation notices or continue operating outside township regulations.
The penalties also highlight the scale of the compliance issue uncovered during the audit. With 458 properties flagged, officials say the violations represent a widespread breakdown in adherence to township registration requirements.
Municipal leaders framed the crackdown as both a financial accountability issue and a public safety matter tied to oversight of rental housing conditions.
The township has not yet announced a deadline for landlords to resolve violations after receiving notices, but officials said property owners should act immediately to avoid further enforcement action.
As of Thursday, Jackson Township planned to begin issuing Notices of Violation on May 8, with enforcement efforts continuing through the Rental Safety Housing Bureau.
