Howell, NJ Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Chapter 178 sets the habitability baseline for every dwelling in Howell Township, rented or not, and Article II adds the rental certificate on top of it. Under § 178-2, the New Jersey State Housing Code is the standard guiding enforcement officials in deciding whether a dwelling or unit is fit for human habitation, use or occupancy. Section 178-3 adopts that Housing Code by reference and keeps three copies on file with the Township Clerk for anyone who wants to examine them. Section 178-1 names the Construction Official, Director of Land Use, Zoning Officer and Code Enforcement Officials as the enforcing authority, and lets them call on the Board of Health Officer, Director of Community Development, Police Department and Fire Official.

Under § 178-4, officials inspect dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises at reasonable hours, and § 178-5 requires the owner, occupant or person in charge to give free access on presentation of proper identification. Section 178-7 sets occupancy limits from the Housing Code: a bedroom with one occupant needs at least 70 square feet of floor area, and a bedroom with more than one person needs at least 50 square feet for each occupant. A violation draws a citation with a written notice under § 178-6, and the person cited can request a hearing before the Howell Township Municipal Court.

For fines above $1,250, § 178-6(E) provides a thirty-day period to cure or abate. A dwelling found unfit under §§ 178-11 and 178-12 can be ordered repaired, vacated or demolished, and the Construction Official can post a placard reading "This building is unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use; the use or occupation of this building is prohibited and unlawful." The Township's repair or demolition costs become a municipal lien against the property under § 178-12(D).