Freehold, NJ Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

New Jersey requires registration of all multiple dwellings (3+ units) statewide under the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law (N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq.) administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Bureau of Housing Inspection. DCA conducts cyclical inspections every 5 years. In addition, nearly every Monmouth County municipality requires local rental registration for 1-2 unit rentals not covered by state law. Long Branch Code Chapter 274 requires annual rental licenses with a Certificate of Continued Occupancy inspection, fee $150 per unit. Asbury Park Code Chapter 300 mandates rental registration and inspection before any new tenancy, with $200 annual fee. Belmar Code Chapter 30 requires a Mercantile License for all rentals with annual inspection, fee $175 per unit plus $35 per bedroom for seasonal rentals. Point Pleasant Beach Code Chapter 250 requires rental registration with $250 annual fee. Spring Lake Code Chapter 195 requires Certificate of Habitability for all rentals. Red Bank Code Chapter 500 requires rental registration with $175 fee. Freehold Borough Code Chapter 195 requires landlord registration. All inspections check smoke/CO alarms (mandatory under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1), lead paint disclosure for pre-1978 units (N.J.A.C. 5:10-6 requires lead inspection every 2-3 years for rentals not owner-occupied), heat/plumbing/electrical, egress, and occupancy limits. Truth in Renting Statement required per N.J.S.A. 46:8-45. Security deposits capped at 1.5 months rent per N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 and must be held in interest-bearing account.