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

Article II of Chapter 262, adopted originally in 1971 and readopted in its entirety October 27, 1998 by Ordinance No. 36-98, incorporates the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code by reference at § 262-21 as a standard governing supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to make buildings and dwellings safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation. Section 262-34 then makes that standard mandatory: no owner may occupy or rent to another for occupancy any dwelling unit that does not conform to the 2021 IPMC's habitability requirements.

The City backs the standard with a certificate-of-occupancy system under § 262-25: before a tenant moves in, the property must pass an inspection by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, at a fee of $60 for residential property covering the initial inspection and first reinspection, with each additional reinspection billed another $60. One-family dwellings are limited to two certificates of occupancy per year absent a bona fide sale, a documented seasonal-rental exception, or a hardship waiver the Fire Official can grant in writing within five business days, appealable to the Business Administrator for de novo review.

The Fire Official and Health Director may inspect at reasonable hours under § 262-27, and may obtain a Municipal Court search warrant under § 262-29 if access is refused. A property owner who lets a unit without a valid certificate, or that otherwise fails the 2021 IPMC's habitability standard, is subject to a violation notice under § 262-30 and prosecution.