Names of tenants no longer needed

The City Council removed that requirement because it is considered a violation of tenants’ privacy rights.

By: Linda Seida
   LAMBERTVILLE — Landlords no longer have to report the names of their tenants to the city because it would be a violation of the tenants’ privacy rights.
   That was the determination made by Mayor David Del Vecchio and members of the City Council on March 19. They made the change at the recommendation of the American Civil Liberties Union, Mayor Del Vecchio said.
   "This wasn’t a huge change," Mayor Del Vecchio said.
   According to the mayor, the ordinance governing rental units has been "very successful in helping us" cut down on overcrowding in uncertified, boardinghouse-style rental units.
   Police still may obtain the names of tenants if they have probable cause, despite the new amendment to the ordinance, Mayor Del Vecchio said.
   The city’s so-called landlord ordinance was approved a year ago and went into effect last April. It governs rental units and stipulates what types of information landlords must report to the city as well as minimum housing standards they must provide for their tenants.
   Some critics contend the ordinance unfairly targets immigrants. Of the three cases prosecuted by the city, all of the tenants were Hispanic.
   City officials maintain the intent is not to single out immigrants. Instead, they said, the purpose is to make sure all people have safe and secure housing.
   Until the change made by the city council last week, landlords were required to submit the names of all tenants, including minors.
   Nothing else has changed. Landlords still are required to "self-certify" with the city, ensuring their rental units meet minimum standards. They must submit a landlord registration statement that spells out the maximum number of tenants based on minimum requirements set out by the city. The statement costs $50 to file.
   Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said there have been no charges filed against landlords other than the three already prosecuted.
   "As far as I know, none here," Mr. Cocuzza said. "No reports or notations related to other investigations."
   In two of the cases, overcrowding came to light when officers responded to investigate other problems. One involved a young child wandering the street unattended. Another involved a domestic assault.
   The city’s minimum standards require every room used for sleeping to have at least 70 square feet of floor space. Every room used for sleeping by more than one person must have at least 50 square feet per person.
   Every room of habitable space must have at least one window capable of opening or another opening that leads to the street, yard or other open space. Each dwelling unit must have a kitchen and full bathroom.