Howell, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Howell Township runs a certificate-based rental inspection program under § 178-22. When an initial rental application is filed, the Township inspects the unit before issuing the certificate. After that, each rental unit is inspected annually and any time ownership or tenancy changes, tied to the registration and certification rules in §§ 178-18 and 178-25. The Housing Official, or another duly appointed official authorized by the Township, performs the inspection. It tests compliance with Chapter 178, using the New Jersey State Housing Code as a guide, and can also cover other ordinances applicable to the premises, the Uniform Construction Code, the Housing Code, the Building Code and the Uniform Fire Safety Act.

Under § 178-23, the owner or occupant of every rental facility and unit must give inspecting officers free access at all reasonable times, and every occupant must give the owner access for repairs or alterations needed to comply. If an inspection is unsatisfactory, the property is not registered and no certificate issues, and the owner cannot lease it or let a tenant occupy it until repairs are verified by a later Township inspection. If the unit is occupied when problems are found, repairs must be completed within 30 days or the owner is in violation under § 178-30.

Section 178-26(C) adds a reinspection fee, set in Chapter 139, for any third and subsequent reinspections caused by previously cited violations during the certification period. Owners must give each tenant a copy of the certificate or post it in a conspicuous place in the unit under § 178-27, except for hotels, motels and guesthouses registered with the State of New Jersey. A pre-1978 unit also needs the lead paint inspection described in § 178-22(F).