East Brunswick, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Section 102-14(A)(15) of the East Brunswick Township Code covers every residential dwelling unit not specified in P.L. 1991, c. 92 (N.J.S.A. 57:27D-192 et seq., as printed), the state law cited in the preceding paragraph for one- and two-family dwellings. Inspections and certificates regarding smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are required when such a unit is sold, leased or otherwise occupied. Unlike the one- and two-family paragraph, this one does not list fire extinguishers. The obligation attaches to a change of occupant rather than to a calendar cycle.

The fee is $50 per dwelling unit inspected if requested more than 10 business days before the change of occupant. An inspection scheduled four business days to 10 business days before costs $75, and one requested less than four business days before costs $125. A failed inspection brings a $20 reinspection fee, and a $75 fee applies when the party is not present for the first scheduled time and the inspection has to be rescheduled.

Apartment owners also face a separate Fire Prevention registration. Section 102-14(B)(13) requires registration of structures used as multiple dwellings, with a registration fee of $75 for each building covering the common areas accessible to the tenants and the public.

Short-term rentals sit in Chapter 182. The owner must obtain a short-term rental permit from the Department of Planning & Engineering before renting or advertising a unit (§ 182-4(A)), pay an annual nonrefundable application and registration fee of $250, and renew each year; the permit is valid for one year and expires automatically when the property changes ownership (§ 182-4(C) to (E)). Under § 182-5(B), the Township can conduct annual inspections of a short-term rental for compliance with its fire safety regulations and property maintenance code but is not required to. The Department issues the permit or a written denial within 10 business days, a denial can be appealed in writing within 10 business days, and the Business Administrator or a designee decides the appeal within 30 days of receipt (§ 182-6). A property with two or more substantiated complaints can lose its permit and cannot reapply for one year (§ 182-7(I)).