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South River to require annual inspections for rental properties

By VASHTI HARRIS

Staff Writer

SOUTH RIVER – The Borough Coun- cil adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code to require that an annual inspection be conducted at any landlords’ rental properties.

“[This ordinance] requires landlords to have an annual inspection of their rental properties to ensure the properties com- ply with the borough’s property mainte- nance code. After a successful inspection, the borough will issue a rental certificate of occupancy which will be valid for one year,” Borough Administrator Art Londen- sky said.

The construction official will prepare appropriate application forms for the rental certificate of occupancy and will make those forms available in the Construction office, according to the council.

These forms will be requested and completed by the owner, agent, broker or other individuals of the rental properties, inspections arranged for, completed and certificate granted annually, according to the council.

The council adopted the ordinance on Aug. 24 during the council meeting via video conference.

“Since the removal of the requirement that landlords receive a Certificate of Con- tinued Occupancy after every change in tenancy, the borough has received com- plaints that many rental properties have fallen into disarray and various landlords have stopped maintaining their rental properties,” Londensky said. “Therefore, the council adopted the ordinance to hold landlords accountable in maintaining their properties.”

Londensky said the ordinance protects the tenants of these properties and the pub- lic by ensuring the properties are properly maintained pursuant to the borough’s prop- erty maintenance code.

In related news, the council also adopt- ed an ordinance amending the municipal code to require that landlords must pay a $100 reinspection fee.

For a certificate of occupancy, cer- tificate of continuing occupancy or rental certificate of occupancy, for all residential and commercial structures, the fee will be $100. If an inspection is required, there (Continued on page 18)