Paterson, NJ Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Board size
- 5 members: 3 tenants, 2 landlords
- Core duty
- Hear and refer tenant complaints
- Referral targets
- Community Development, Housing, Health
- Adopted
- 1-25-2005, Ord. No. 05-003
Summary
Paterson's Tenant Advisory Board hears tenant complaints about unit or property conditions and refers them to the city's code enforcement, housing, and health divisions for action.
Hear complaints from tenants as to conditions in their units or at the property at which they reside; Refer tenants' complaints, when appropriate, to the respective departments or divisions within the City of Paterson, including the Department of Community Development, Division of Housing and the Division of Health, or, when appropriate, to any court, other governmental office or agency or private agency.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 93 creates a five-member Tenant Advisory Board, three tenants and two landlords, appointed by the At-Large Council members and Mayor, whose duties include hearing complaints from tenants about conditions in their units or at the property where they live. The Board refers valid complaints to the appropriate city department, including the Division of Housing or Division of Health, receives reports back on what was done, and reports to the Municipal Council as directed. It is a referral and oversight body, not a separate inspection or enforcement authority in its own right.
Violations & Fines
The Board itself imposes no penalties; complaints it refers are enforced through Chapter 271's inspection provisions, which carry fines up to $1,000 and up to 90 days' imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a rental complaint in Paterson?
Can the Tenant Advisory Board fine my landlord?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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