Irvington, NJ Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Section 355-21 of the Township Code opens Irvington's unfit-dwelling process to the public: whenever a petition is filed with the Director of Housing Services by a public authority or by at least five residents of the municipality, charging that any dwelling is unfit for human habitation, the Director must run a preliminary investigation, and the Director can also open a case on his own motion. If the preliminary investigation finds a basis for the charges, the Director issues a formal complaint served on the owner and other parties in interest, and schedules a hearing not less than 10 nor more than 30 days after service; the owner has the right to file an answer, appear, and give testimony, and court rules of evidence do not control the Director's hearing.

Section 355-19 lists the conditions the Director weighs in reaching a charge of unfitness: defects that increase fire or accident hazards, inadequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, and uncleanliness. If the Director finds the dwelling unfit after the hearing, § 355-22 lets him order the owner to repair, alter or improve the building within a set time, or, at the owner's option, to vacate and close it; if the condition is dangerous enough and the owner does not comply, the Director can order the building removed or demolished, post a placard reading the building is unfit for occupancy, and recover the Township's costs, including legal fees, inspection and demolition expenses, as a municipal lien on the property.

Section 355-23 lets the Director serve the complaint or order by publication in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks if the owner cannot be located after diligent effort, with a copy posted on the premises and recorded with the county.