Does my Township Need to Know That I Have a Rental Property?
YES!
Actually, it is the state that needs to know and the municipality “collects” the information. Additionally, you must provide a copy of the form to your tenant – do both within 30 days.
Why Do It?
Well, it is the law and it’s a great idea to stay on the right side of it! By complying, it helps townships and municipalities enforce fire and housing codes, keeping everyone safe. It also provides protection for both landlords and tenants, covering everything from the proper deposit of security funds and displaced tenants’ rights to correct eviction procedures.
What If I Don’t?
If you don’t register the property, the court cannot enter a judgment to evict the tenant. At best, the procedures will be delayed up to 90 days and the eviction time clock starts all over again. And you may be without rental income, especially if the eviction is based on nonpayment of rent.
Some municipalities may have other fines and/or penalties for non-compliance too.
Where Do I Get These???
Here are links (as of March 2016) for some local townships for both Landlord Registrations and Smoke Detector/CO2 inspections. When in doubt – call! And for more information, you can do a Google Search for N.J.S.A. 46:8-27:
Bedminster Township Bedminster Landlord Certificate of Registration Bedminster Fire
Bernardsville Bernardsville Residential Rental Property Registration (Annual)
Bernards Township Bernards Township Landlord’s Registration Bernards Township Fire Inspection
Bridgewater Township Statement of Landlord Bridgewater Fire
Chester Chester Landlord Registration
Harding Township Harding Township Landlord Registration Harding Township Fire Inspection
Mendham Mendham Township Landlord Registration Mendham Fire Inspection
Morristown Morristown Landlord Registration
Warren Warren Landlord Registration Warren Fire Inspection
Passing this information along to your landlords is a great way to reinforce your relationship with them – they’ll know that you continue to have their best interests in mind!
And you can also recommend that they hire a professional property manager who will make sure that the right service people come in on a regular schedule and keep the rental running smoothly!
