New rules for rentals

Rental units to be inspected each time occupancy changes.

By: Joseph Harvie
   The Township Council adopted an ordinance Tuesday that will give it some control over the maintenance and appearance of rental units in the township.
   The ordinance, which takes effect May 29, requires all rental units in the township to be inspected by a township inspector each time there is a change of occupancy or ownership in a rental property to protect the health and safety of the tenants.
   The inspections would go beyond the fire safety inspections, already done annually through the township’s Fire Safety division. Those inspections include checking smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
   The rental inspections would be done to ensure rental units inside and outside are not infested with insects or vermin and that the walls and floors are not in disrepair, according to the ordinance.
   The ordinance was redrafted last month because of confusion with its old name "Non-residential Rental Inspection Code." Businesses such as warehouses and retail stores in the township were concerned that the ordinance would apply to them, Councilman Joe Camarota said. It has since been renamed the Residential Rental Housing Code.
   In addition to multi-unit apartment complexes, the adopted ordinance also includes the inspection of houses, condominiums and townhouses that are rented in the township.
   Rental units would be inspected any time there is a change of occupancy or ownership, according to the ordinance. Properties transferred between spouses, former spouses as ordered as a decree of divorce, transferred between family members or by court order do not have to be inspected, according to the ordinance.
   In addition, any rental unit that is inspected by the township and issued a new certificate of occupancy because of repairs or renovations that are made, does not have to be inspected by the rental officer.
   The ordinance also creates the part-time position of rental inspection officer in the township, said Township Manager Matt Watkins. If additional inspectors are needed they would be hired as independent contractors, according to the ordinance.
   The inspections would carry a fee of $75paid by the landlord or owner and re-inspection would cost $45, according to the ordinance.
   Paul Murray of Raymond Road, who also rents out two houses in Kendall Park, spoke out against the ordinance. He said tenants are already given a copy of the state Department of Community Affairs booklet "The Truth in Renting," which the state requires to be handed out any time a new tenant moves into a rental unit.
   He said the booklet provides information to tenants about their rights.