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Bergenfield, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Borough Code § 239-4
Inspection frequency
Annual, plus every occupancy change
Registration deadline
February 15 each year (§ 239-6)
Tenant refusal remedy
Warrant obtained by Code Enforcement Official
First-offense fine
$500 (§ 239-8)
Repeat-offense fine
$1,200 (§ 239-8)

Summary

Bergenfield requires annual code-compliance inspections of every non-owner-occupied single-family and two-family rental structure under Borough Code § 239-4. The Code Enforcement Official or a designee inspects for compliance with state and Borough rules; tenants who refuse entry can be met with a warrant, and inspections are also triggered whenever occupancy changes.

§ 239-4. Inspection. ... The owner(s) of all two-family structures and nonowner-occupied single-family structures shall submit to an annual inspection of the structure for compliance with New Jersey State statutes and Borough of Bergenfield ordinances by the Code Enforcement Official or his designee. If the tenant refuses to permit an inspection, the Code Enforcement Official shall obtain a proper warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Article I of Chapter 239, Rental Property (Ord. No. 03-2307, amended 2008 and 2017), sets up Bergenfield's inspection program. Section 239-4 requires owners of all two-family structures and nonowner-occupied single-family structures to submit to an annual inspection by the Code Enforcement Official, or a designee, for compliance with New Jersey State statutes and Borough ordinances, and requires a second inspection whenever a change in occupancy occurs. If a tenant refuses entry, the Code Enforcement Official must obtain a proper warrant or other legal remedy rather than force entry.

Section 239-6 ties the inspection to registration: owners must submit their annual registration to the Code Enforcement Official no later than February 15 each year and schedule the compliance inspection at that same time. Two carve-outs exist: § 239-4C waives inspection for a unit in a two-family structure occupied by an owner, and § 239-4D waives it for owners who already receive the Borough's senior citizen or veteran tax deduction, though § 239-5D strips that waiver permanently if the owner otherwise fails to comply. A.

, are exempt from the whole article under § 239-9. Owners who fail an inspection get written notice under § 239-7 with 30 days to come into compliance before a municipal summons issues.

Violations & Fines

An owner who ignores the Code Enforcement Official's written notice to correct a failed inspection is subject to a municipal summons and the fines in § 239-8: $500 for a first offense and $1,200 for a second or subsequent offense. Separately, a structure found to house an illegal unit can draw a fine of $500 to $1,200 under § 239-12, with the $500 floor available only if the violation is corrected within 10 days of discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Bergenfield rental properties must be inspected annually?
Every two-family structure and every nonowner-occupied single-family structure must submit to an annual code-compliance inspection under Borough Code § 239-4, plus another inspection whenever the occupancy changes. Owner-occupied units in a two-family structure, and owners already receiving the Borough's senior citizen or veteran property tax deduction, are waived from the inspection requirement.
Can a Bergenfield tenant refuse to let the inspector in?
A tenant can refuse entry, but § 239-4 then directs the Code Enforcement Official to obtain a proper warrant or other legal remedy to secure access rather than proceed by force. Refusal does not exempt the owner from the underlying annual inspection and registration obligation under this article.
What is the deadline to register a rental property in Bergenfield?
Owners of two-family and nonowner-occupied single-family structures must file their annual registration with the Code Enforcement Official no later than February 15 of each year and schedule the compliance inspection at that time under § 239-6. Missing the deadline draws a written notice with 30 days to comply before a summons issues.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bergenfield

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All Bergenfield rules

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