JACKSON — The Jackson Township Council adopted a newly adopted ordinance in Jackson Township will impose sweeping changes on rental property owners, mandating annual inspections, expanded documentation requirements, and higher registration fees beginning in 2026.
The ordinance revises Chapter 245 of the municipal code, replacing Article I, Landlord Registration, with a comprehensive new framework aimed at increasing oversight of residential rental properties not subject to state inspection under the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law.
“This has been an ongoing process for well over a year that included a lot of background work, input from residents, town officials, and everyone here on the town council,” said Council President Jennifer Kuhn. “It took a long time to put together in a way it can be effectively enforced.”
Under the changes, all residential rental units must be registered with the newly created Bureau of Rental Housing Inspections and inspected at least once per year, as well as upon every change in tenancy. Units may not be occupied without a valid certificate of occupancy issued by the housing official.
A fixed inspection fee of $100 applies to each unit. Registration renewals will be required annually between January 1 and January 31. For the remainder of 2025, the registration fee is set at $125, but it will increase to $225 effective January 1, 2026.
The ordinance establishes a monthly inspection schedule based on the street name where the property is located, from streets beginning with A and B in January through numerical or lettered addresses in December. The schedule is intended as a guideline, and inspections may occur outside those months if necessary to ensure no rentals fall through the cracks.
Property owners are also required to submit a range of documents with their registration, including a copy of the lease, proof of ownership, photo identification, and personal contact information for all tenants and authorized agents. If ownership, management, or tenancy changes, landlords must submit updated documents within 20 days.
Landlords who fail to register or allow full property inspections face escalating penalties: $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for each additional violation. If inspectors are blocked from conducting a full inspection related to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, or fire extinguisher compliance, a daily fine of $250 will be issued until access is granted.
“We have taken into consideration all vested interests, including the landlords, tenants, and the residents who have come to many council meetings to suggest ideas and call for stricter rules and enforcement,” said Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein. “We believe this new ordinance is not only fair for all involved, but will resolve many of the quality of life issues being faced on a daily basis by our residents.”
No rental license will be issued if municipal taxes, sewer charges, or other assessments are delinquent.
The ordinance takes effect immediately following its final passage and publication, with all provisions enforceable as of their stated effective dates.
