Jackson, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Chapter 245, Article I of the Jackson Township Code creates the annual rental-inspection program administered by the Bureau of Rental Housing Inspections. Section 245-1B bars anyone from occupying, or a landlord from permitting occupancy of, a rental unit that is not registered when registration is required, and § 245-1C requires each unit to be inspected at least annually and at every change in tenancy, with occupancy barred until the Housing Official issues a certificate of occupancy. Under § 245-1D(1), covered buildings and dwelling units, except hotel or motel units and units already inspected by the state under the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law (N.J.S.A.

55:13A-1 et seq.), must be inspected before every initial occupancy or change of occupancy and, under no circumstances, less than annually. The owner or an authorized agent applies to the Bureau for the certification, which expires annually, and pays a $100 inspection fee per § 245-1D(2); the Bureau must respond to the landlord's email on file 30 days before scheduling the appointment. Certificates are not transferable, so a change of ownership or occupancy triggers a new application (§ 245-1D(3)). For units leased on a transient basis, § 245-1D(5) layers on a published monthly inspection schedule keyed to the first letter of the street name, running January (A, B streets) through December (X, Y, Z or numbered streets), though the code makes clear that schedule is only a guide and not a basis to refuse entry or demand a refund. An owner who blocks a full in-person inspection faces a daily penalty under § 245-5 until the Bureau completes it.