Hamilton, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Section 268-18B of the Township Code establishes Hamilton's periodic rental inspection program. Subsection B(1) provides that each rental unit shall be inspected at least once in every five-year period, and upon each change in tenancy, for purposes of issuing a certificate of approval for occupancy, with the five-year clock restarting each time a change-in-tenancy inspection occurs. A landlord can skip the five-year inspection and its fee by furnishing proof of a state-approved multidwelling inspection, a satisfactory private inspection by a New Jersey licensed home inspector, or a satisfactory Township housing inspection, along with any notice of violations or letter of compliance, submitted within 30 days.

When the ordinance first took effect the initial inspections were staggered by area: odd house numbers in August 2009, even house numbers in December 2009, and state-licensed multiunit facilities in April 2010, under § 268-18B(2). Inspections are performed by Township-authorized inspectors under § 268-18B(4) and check compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and the property maintenance and housing codes under § 268-18B(5); passing units receive a certificate of approval for occupancy from the Chief Housing Inspector. If an inspection is unsatisfactory, § 268-18B(6) bars leasing or occupancy until repairs are made and the unit is reinspected and approved, with a 30-day repair deadline after reinspection before a summons issues.

Separately, § 268-18D requires every landlord to hold a Township landlord registration, renewed every five years, before renting any unit, and registrations cannot be transferred to a new owner.