Residential Rental Property Registration

Borough Code Chapter 27

pdf Rental Property Registration Application (349 KB)

RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION
This page has been set up for LANDLORDS in the Borough of Watchung to easily access all the information needed to register their rental property. All registrations are due by the end of September of each year.

FEES

• $150 Annual registration and inspection fee
• $50 Per unit, change in tenant/occupancy
• $50 Per unit, re-inspection fee
• $50 Failure to be present and/or provide access at requested inspection  time (15 min grace period)
• $50 Petitioned inspection fee (when filed by occupant)

ANNUAL REGISTRATIONS
It is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Registration, for each rental unit. The registration term commences on September 1 and is valid until August of the following year. Registration is required every September. Each rental unit must register and be inspected. (NJSA 46:8-28). Each owner is to file with the Clerk’s Office a registration form for each unit contained withing a building or structure.

Forms must be properly completed with all the required information. For every unit, the number of sleeping rooms is required; owners shall submit dimensional floor plan as part of their application. Owners are required to sign a statement that owner acknowledges and grants permission to the Borough’s Inspecting Official for the right to inspect the dwelling unit.

CHANGES TO PROPERTY
When ownership of premises changes a new Certificate of Registration shall be required (new registration and inspection).   

ANNUAL INSPECTIONS
Inspections will be performed by the Building Department and each unit shall be inspected at least once every 12 months or upon petition, showing of cause, or change in tenancy or occupancy.

No person shall occupy any rental unit that is not registered in accordance.

ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
After complete registration form, payment of prescribed fee, and completion of satisfactory inspection, the Borough shall issue a Certificate of Registration expiring August 31^st.