Bergenfield, NJ Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must register
- 2-family & nonowner-occ. single-family
- Registration deadline
- February 15 annually
- Minimum fee
- $50 per structure/unit
- Inspection trigger
- Annual and at occupancy change
- Exemptions
- Owner-occupied unit; senior/veteran tax deduction
- Penalty
- $500 first, $1,200 repeat offense
Summary
Bergenfield requires owners of every two-family structure and nonowner-occupied single-family home to register annually with the Code Enforcement Bureau and pass a compliance inspection checking the property against state and Borough rules. Registration costs a $50 minimum, is due by February 15, and owner-occupied units and qualifying senior or veteran owners are exempt from the inspection.
The owner(s) of all two-family structures and nonowner-occupied single-family structures shall submit to an annual inspection of the structure for compliance with New Jersey State statutes and Borough of Bergenfield ordinances by the Code Enforcement Official or his designee. If the tenant refuses to permit an inspection, the Code Enforcement Official shall obtain a proper warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry. ... First offense: $500. ... Second and each subsequent offense: $1,200.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 239, Article I requires the owners of two-family structures and nonowner-occupied single-family structures to register their rental property annually with the Borough Code Enforcement Bureau, and again whenever occupancy changes. Registration must be filed by February 15 each year, when the owner also schedules the required annual compliance inspection. That inspection checks the structure for compliance with New Jersey State statutes and Borough of Bergenfield ordinances, carried out by the Code Enforcement Official or a designee; if a tenant refuses entry, the Code Enforcement Official must obtain a warrant or other legal remedy to get in.
A new inspection is also required whenever occupancy changes. The rule is waived for any unit in a two-family structure occupied by its owner, and for owners who receive the Borough's senior citizen or veteran property tax deduction. The minimum registration fee is $50, applying per unit for a multifamily structure. Any owner found out of compliance gets written notice and 30 days to fix the problem before facing a municipal summons.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with a written notice within 30 days exposes the owner to a municipal summons and the penalties in § 239-8: a fine of $500 for a first offense and $1,200 for a second or subsequent offense. Structures already regulated as mobile home parks under N.J.S.A. 55:13B-1 et seq. are exempt from this article entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to let an inspector into my rental in Bergenfield?
Is my rental exempt from Bergenfield's inspection requirement?
What's the fine for missing Bergenfield's rental registration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bergenfield
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