FREEHOLD – Residents who live in Freehold Borough’s 1,900 rental units have a new board looking out for their rights.
With the adoption of an ordinance at the May 19 meeting of the Borough Council, officials established a Rental Property Review Board (RPRB).
Members of the borough’s Human Relations Committee recommended that the RPRB be charged with reviewing the status of rental housing in Freehold with the goal of finding the best ways to protect the health, safety and welfare of tenants, landlords and the community at large.
The new panel replaces the former Multiple Dwelling Review Board, which has been relatively inactive for years, according to Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer. She called the new panel a modern, up-to-date version of its predecessor and one that is more in keeping with the needs and concerns of residents.
Shutzer said the issues concerning rental units today are different than they were years ago.
“For instance, there was no overcrowding (of rental units) 20 years ago,” she said.
Shutzer said the RPRB will study issues and act as a mediator and, although it is not a decision-making board, its members will make recommendations to the mayor and council and also advise the code enforcement department and other municipal departments.
The RPRB will consist of no less than seven and no more than 15 members who are appointed annually by the mayor. The mayor will appoint two tenants, two landlords, one member of the Human Relations Committee, one homeowner, one real estate professional with knowledge and expertise in Freehold Borough and one representative of the code enforcement office (non-voting member).
In addition to reviewing the status of rental housing, the purposes, powers and duties of the RPRB include, “establishing procedures to encourage landlords and tenants to restore and maintain structures and rental units to the standards defined by the BOCA code; establish procedures to encourage dialogue between the concerns of tenants, landlords and the community regarding problems affecting all residents; research potential solutions to the complex problems in the rental housing market; serve in an advisory capacity to the building department, code office, Borough Council and all other borough departments in an effort to maintain the character of Freehold Borough and preserve the public health, safety and welfare regarding rental housing.”
According to the ordinance, the RPRB may also make recommendations to the above entities for the development of polices and procedures, as well as for formal and informal education programs to promote awareness of the housing code, and fire and safety issues affecting rental housing.
Reviewing and monitoring landlord compliance with the terms and provisions of any rent stabilization agreement adopted by the governing body is also a part of the new board’s duties.
In addition, this board will review, investigate and attempt to resolve complaints submitted by tenants concerning building maintenance, services, rent increases, etc., or any other matters affecting landlord-tenant issues. It will also provide a forum for tenants who have complaints.
Councilman Marc Le Vine said the RPRB is a wonderful idea.
“We’re getting a revitalized (board) that has an active membership that sees the entire rental picture in town,” Le Vine said. “And the board will be comprised of members who are well positioned to advise on it.
“There are many more single-family homes being rented in the borough as of 2008 than there most likely was when the Multiple Dwelling Review Board was originally proposed,” the councilman said.
“This amended ordinance merges the strengths of both the Multiple Dwelling Review Board and (a previous) Rental Property Advisory Committee and brings them together to address the administration and oversight challenges of today’s rental property scene in Freehold Borough,” Le Vine added.
Maureen Haley, who chaired the Rental Property Advisory Committee which in recent years made a series of recommendations to borough officials, said it remains to be seen how this will all turn out.
“Expanding the jurisdiction of this board to include house rentals is important, since many safety and quality of life issues stem from these properties. And, if this new board provides another form of redress for residents to solve these issues, that’s a good thing,” Haley said.