J
ackson Township will enforce a new ordinance that takes effect on January 1, requiring every rental unit to be inspected each year at a cost of $100 per unit. The annual registration fee with the Bureau of Rental Housing Inspections rises from $125 to $225. Council Vice‑President Giuseppe Palmeri said the measure protects families, ensures safety, and upholds residents’ quality of life.

    Palmeri highlighted a “rent‑ing epidemic” in June, noting that social‑media posts—often in Spanish—advertise single‑family homes as boarding houses. These properties are typically owned by LLCs or anonymous investors. Landlords who fail to register a single‑ or two‑family unit between January 1 and 31 face escalating fines: $500 for the first offense, $750 for the second, and $1,000 thereafter. If the Bureau cannot complete a full inspection to issue certificates for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and portable fire extinguishers, landlords incur a $250 daily penalty until the inspection is finished.

    Jackson maintains a 39‑page roster of rental homes, about 50 properties per page. The ordinance is projected to generate roughly $300,000 in additional revenue, earmarked for staffing code‑enforcement efforts. Earlier this month, the township introduced a dedicated email, [email protected], for residents to report rental violations. Last week, two code‑enforcement officers were assigned new shifts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to improve inspections. Mayor Kuhn explained that the extended hours allow officers to investigate when occupants are home, addressing previous “brick‑wall” challenges.

    The ordinance’s goal is to curb overcrowding, enforce safety standards, and ensure landlords comply with registration and inspection requirements. Residents can now report violations more easily, and enforcement officers have better access to properties, strengthening the township’s commitment to safe, compliant housing.