Long Branch, NJ Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Chapter 66 of the City of Long Branch Code establishes the Landlord-Tenant Dispute Review Board, a voluntary body of five city residents: two tenants, two landlords, and one community member who is neither. Members serve one-year terms without compensation, appointed by the City Council. Section 66-3 spells out the complaint procedure: the Board may consider complaints, in writing, from either a landlord or a tenant regarding rental increases, repairs to the premises, or maintenance items. Once a written complaint arrives, the Chairman or a designee contacts both parties to see if they will appear before the Board; if they agree, the Chairman schedules an informal hearing.

The responding party receives a copy of the written complaint before that hearing. Testimony at the hearing is not taken under oath, cross-examination is not required, and corporate or partnership parties need not appear through an attorney; each side may make a statement before Board members ask questions. After the hearing, the Board either renders a recommendation immediately or advises the parties in writing within seven days. Critically, Section 66-3(E) states all recommendations are nonbinding on the parties and there is no method of appeal from a Board recommendation, since the Board has no legal authority to issue subpoenas, require oaths, or make legally binding determinations.

Section 66-4 limits the Board's reach: it may hear complaints on any rental unit except housing units of two units or less, so owner-occupied duplexes and single rentals fall outside its jurisdiction. The chapter traces to Ordinance No. 1113, adopted July 28, 1983, carried from Section 14-12 of the 1971 Code.