West New York, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must obtain one
- Landlords of structures with more than two apartment units
- Timing
- Before leasing to a new tenant
- Inspection application fee
- $50 (§ 260-24)
- Issuance deadline
- Within five days of the application
- Temporary certificate
- Up to 90 days, $50 per unit
- Maximum penalty
- $50 fine or 90 days jail, or both (§ 260-26)
Summary
In the Town of West New York, New Jersey, a landlord of a structure with more than two apartment dwelling units must obtain an apartment certificate of occupancy before leasing any unit to a new tenant. The Division of Housing Inspection inspects on a $50 application, issues within five days, and a violation carries a fine up to $50 or 90 days in jail.
Every landlord as hereinafter defined, including landlords of limited-dividend housing properties, with more than two apartment dwelling units per structure, as such terms are hereinafter defined, shall obtain and file an apartment certificate of occupancy before any apartment unit in said structure is leased to a new tenant not already in possession at the effective date of this article. ... Such certificate shall be issued within five days after receipt of such application, but only provided that a representative of the Division of Housing Inspection has determined that all requirements of all applicable Building and Housing Codes and ordinances in effect are complied with. ... Request for inspection to the Division of Housing Inspection shall be accompanied by an application fee of $50, and if no violations are found in the apartment dwelling unit, the Department shall issue a certificate of occupancy. ... Any person who shall violate or fail to comply with any provisions of this Article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50 or to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 90 days, or both, at the discretion of the Judge at the court before whom such person shall be found guilty.
Full Breakdown
Article IV of Chapter 260 in the Code of the Town of West New York (Ord. No. 1420, adopted 1-21-1981) is the Town's rental inspection program. Section 260-19 requires every landlord, including landlords of limited-dividend housing properties, with more than two apartment dwelling units per structure to obtain and file an apartment certificate of occupancy before any unit is leased to a new tenant. The application goes on a form from the Division of Housing Inspection (§ 260-20) and states the name and former address of the renter, the names of every occupant who will live in the unit for more than 30 days in a calendar year, and the names and ages of anyone under 18. It identifies the unit by the mailing address on the mailbox and building directory, and states that the building conforms to Chapter 414, Zoning, and the Building and Housing Codes, and that no violations exist in the unit (§ 260-21).
A request for inspection carries a $50 application fee, and if no violations are found the Department issues the certificate (§ 260-24). The certificate must issue within five days after receipt of the application, but only after a Division representative determines that all applicable Building and Housing Codes are complied with (§ 260-22). A certificate stipulates the maximum number of occupants permitted in each unit (§ 260-24B). No inspection is needed if the entire building or the unit was inspected within 12 months before the application (§ 260-25).
Minor violations can be handled with a temporary certificate for up to 90 days at $50 per apartment dwelling unit. If the violations are not fixed in that period the Division can revoke the temporary certificate, requiring the unit to be vacated within 30 days, extend it, or take other action (§ 260-23). A person aggrieved by a denial appeals in writing to the Director of the Department of Public Affairs, who files a decision with the Town Clerk not later than five days after the appeal (§ 260-27). Separately, § 148-1D requires a residential tenant certificate for a change of tenants in any residential property, and § 148-8 sets a $1,000 fine for failing to obtain one.
Violations & Fines
Under § 260-26 any person who violates Article IV is subject to a fine not to exceed $50 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both, at the Judge's discretion. Failing to obtain a residential tenant certificate under Chapter 148 results in a $1,000 fine (§ 148-8). A temporary certificate that is not cleared within 90 days can be revoked, and the unit must then be vacated within 30 days of the notice of revocation (§ 260-23A).
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a landlord in the Town of West New York need an apartment certificate of occupancy?
What does the inspection cost?
Can a unit with minor violations still be rented?
Is an inspection needed every time a tenant changes?
How does an owner appeal a denied certificate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West New York
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Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle inspection programs.