Stafford Township, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Section 81-1 of the Stafford Township Code applies to all buildings, structures and units that are leased or rented, regardless of the term. The Code Official inspects on every initial occupancy or change of occupancy, with no more than one inspection of each rented building, structure or unit in a calendar year. Units that were rented and vacant when the article took effect count as an initial occupancy. The Code Official is the Township Construction Code Official, his designee or an agency authorized to inspect for the Township (section 81-10).

The duty to start the process sits with the owner, rental agent or manager, who must notify the Code Official in writing that the premises are leased, rented or being offered for rent (section 81-3). Before the inspection and certificate, the owner must comply with section 164-2, which requires an owner who does not live at the property to register with the Township Clerk. Once a unit passes, the rental certificate of occupancy is issued, and a copy must be posted in each separate leased or rented unit (section 81-4B).

Fees are set in section 81-9 and are paid to the Code Official before any inspection. The rental certificate costs $40 for a single family dwelling unit, $25 per dwelling unit in a building of one to 50 units, $20 per dwelling unit above 50 units, and $65 per commercial unit. A reinspection required during a calendar year costs $25 for a residential property and $50 for a nonresidential property, and $15 is charged for each subsequent reinspection after a failed inspection.

If the inspection finds violations, section 81-5 requires written notice to the owner, rental agent or manager, who then notifies the Code Official in writing once the work is done so a reinspection can occur. Section 81-6 allows service by personal delivery, by leaving the notice at the usual place of abode with a family member of suitable age, by certified or registered mail, or by posting plus one newspaper publication. Seasonal rentals of less than 175 consecutive days run through Chapter 164, with a $100 license fee and a $50 reinspection fee (section 164-14).