[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Monroe 12-15-1976 by Ord. No. O-14-76 (appeared as Ch. 39A of the 1967 Code); amended in its entirety 5-22-2017 by Ord. No. O:25-2017. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Housing Authority — See Ch. 48.
Unfit buildings — See Ch. 104, Art. I.
Littering — See Ch. 193.
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 249.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote safe and suitable housing for the benefit of all residents of the Township of Monroe and to prevent and abate harmful housing conditions. Among other things, this chapter shall provide for registration of rental units by landlords (except for owner-occupied two-unit dwellings). By providing for registration and disclosure of landlords and their addresses, the Township of Monroe continues its policy of making absentee landlords more responsible and responsive to the welfare of tenants, as well as neighbors who live in the Township of Monroe. In addition, this chapter will reduce the time frame for processing housing complaints and avoid undue delay in correcting conditions.
The following are hereby accepted, adopted and established as a standard to be utilized as a guide in determining whether dwellings and buildings in this Township are safe, sanitary and fit for human habilitation and/or rental. The standards set forth below may not all be applicable to certain rental units:
A. 
New Jersey State Housing Code (N.J.A.C. 5:28-1.1 et seq.).
B. 
Regulations for maintenance of hotels and multiple dwellings (N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.).
C. 
Uniform Construction Code (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.).
D. 
Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-2 et seq.).
E. 
Uniform Fire Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq.).
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGENT
The individual or individuals designated by the owner as the person(s) authorized by the owner to perform any duty imposed upon the owner by this chapter. The term does not necessarily mean a licensed real estate broker or salesman of the State of New Jersey as those terms are defined by N.J.S.A. 45:15-3; however, such term may include a licensed real estate broker or salesman of the State of New Jersey if such person designated by the owner as his agent is so licensed.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
APARTMENT COMPLEX
Two or more buildings, each containing two or more apartments, which are located within close proximity of each other and are owned by the same owner.
APARTMENT OR DWELLING UNIT
Any apartment, cottage, bungalow, any room or rooms in a rooming/boarding house or other dwelling unit consisting of one or more rooms occupying all or part of a floor or floors in a building, whether designated with or without housekeeping facilities for dwelling purposes and notwithstanding whether the apartment shall be designated for residence, for office or the operation of any industry or business or for any type of independent use.
BASEMENT
A story partly underground but having less than half of its clear height, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling, below the curb level, except that where the curb level has not been legally established or where every part of the building is set back more than 25 feet from a street line the height shall be measured from the adjoining grade level.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
BUILDING
Any building or structure, or part thereof, used for human habitation, use or occupancy, and includes any accessory buildings and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
CAMPGROUNDS
Any parcel or tract of land under the control of a person or organization where designated sites are offered to the public for the establishment of temporary living quarters, including, but not limited to, tents, recreational vehicles, and other temporary structures.
[Added 10-26-2023 by Ord. No. O:39-2023]
CELLAR
A story partly underground but having half or more of its clear height, measured from finished floor to finished ceiling, below the curb level, except that where the curb level has not been legally established or where every part of the building is set back more than 25 feet from a street line the height shall be measured from the adjoining grade elevation.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
The certificate of registration issued by the Township Clerk or designee attesting that the rental unit has been properly registered in accordance with this chapter.
[Added 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018]
DISORDERLY HOUSE
A premises where any illegal activity occurs or which is subject to more than two legitimate police service calls within a period of six months, the legitimacy of each police service call to be determined on the totality of the circumstances, taking into account the activity giving rise to the police service call. If the Hearing Officer determines there was good cause for the police to be there due to the activity or nonactivity by persons covered herein, then said service call should be considered legitimate.
DWELLING UNIT
Any room or rooms, or suite or apartment, whether furnished or unfurnished, which is occupied, or intended, arranged or designed to be occupied, for sleeping or dwelling purposes by one or more persons, including but not limited to the owner thereof, or any of his agents or employees, and shall include all privileges, services, furnishings, furniture, equipment, facilities, and improvements connected with use or occupancy thereof.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
EXISTING DWELLING UNITS
Any building or structure presently used or used hereafter for habitation by any human beings, whether the same is occupied or to be occupied by an owner or tenant or occupied on any other basis.
HABITABLE ROOM
A room or enclosed floor space within the dwelling unit used or designed to be used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundries, pantries, foyers or communicating corridors, closets, storage space and spaces that are not used frequently or during extended periods of time.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
HEARING OFFICER
The Township Compliance Officer or person designated pursuant to subsection b of section 3.19.2 to hear and determine proceedings under P.L. 1993, c. 127 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12n et seq.). Said Hearing Officer, in order to assure impartiality and in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12pb, shall be a licensed attorney of the State of New Jersey and shall not be an owner or lessee of any real property within the Township of Monroe, nor hold any interest in the assets of or profits arising from the ownership or lease of such property.
LANDLORD
The person or persons who own or purport to own a building in which there is rented or offered for rent housing space for living or dwelling under either a written or oral lease, which building contains no less than one dwelling unit or not more than four dwelling units.
LICENSEE
The person to whom the certificate of registration is issued pursuant to this chapter. The term "licensee" includes within its definition the term "registered agent" where applicable.
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018[1]]
OCCUPANCY
Any use, possession or control of real property by persons, entities or personal property.
OCCUPANT
Any individual who lives or sleeps in, or has actual possession of, a dwelling unit.
OWNER/OPERATOR
Any person or group of persons, firm, corporation, or officer thereof, partnership, association or trust who owns, operates, exercises control over or is in charge of a rented facility.
PERSON
An individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other legal entity or any combination thereof.
PREMISES
Lands and/or buildings thereon.
PUBLIC OFFICER
Any law enforcement officer, building official, zoning inspection, code enforcement officer, fire inspector or building inspector, or other person authorized by the Township to enforce the applicable code(s).
REGISTERED AGENT
The individual or individuals designated by the owner as the person(s) authorized by the owner to perform any duty imposed upon the owner by this chapter. The term does not necessarily mean a licensed real estate broker or salesperson of the State of New Jersey as these terms are defined by N.J.S.A. 45:15-3; however, such term may include a licensed real estate broker or salesperson of the State of New Jersey if such person designated by the owner as his agent is so licensed.
REGISTRANT
The person to whom the registration is issued pursuant to this chapter. The term "registrant" includes within its definition the term "agent" where applicable.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
REGISTRATION
The registration issued by the Township Clerk or the Clerk's designee attesting that the rental unit has been properly registered in accordance with this chapter.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
RENTAL FACILITY
Every building, group of buildings or a portion thereof which is kept, used, maintained, advertised or held out to be a place where living accommodations are supplied, whether furnished or unfurnished, for pay or other consideration, to one or more individuals and is meant to include apartments, apartment complexes, single-family homes, multiple units within a single residential building, rooming houses or group homes.
RENTAL UNIT
A dwelling unit which is available for lease or rental purposes and is meant to include individual apartments located within apartment complexes or individual rooms available for lease within a residential building.
SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINT
A complaint which may form the basis for proceedings in accordance with Subsection a of Section 4 of P.L. 1993, c. 127 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12q).
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also repealed the former definition of “license,” which immediately preceded this definition.
A. 
Duties of owner, operator and/or registered agent. The duties and responsibilities of an owner, operator and/or registered agent shall be as follows:
(1) 
Maintenance of exterior of premises free of hazards and unsanitary conditions. The exterior of the premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances and any hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians, and other persons utilizing the premises, and free of unsanitary conditions, and any of the foregoing shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner, operator and/or registered agent. It shall be the absolute duty of the owner, operator and/or registered agent, individually or jointly, to keep the premises free of hazards, which include but are not limited to the following:
(a) 
Refuse. Brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious growth, filth, garbage, trash, refuse and debris.
(b) 
Natural growth. Dead and dying trees, stumps and limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons or property in the vicinity thereof. Trees shall be kept pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions.
(c) 
Overhanging objects. Loose and overhanging objects and accumulation of ice and snow which, by reason of location above ground level, constitutes a danger of falling on persons or property in the vicinity thereof.
(d) 
Ground surface hazards or unsanitary conditions. Holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions, icy conditions, uncleared snow and excretion of pets and other animals on paths, walks, sidewalks, curbs, driveways, parking lots and parking areas and other parts of the premises which are accessible to and used by persons on the premises. All such holes and excavations shall be filled and repaired.
(e) 
Brush and hedges near roadways. Any and all brush, hedges and similar plant life growing within 10 feet of any roadway and/or within 25 feet of the intersection of two roadways shall be cut to a height of not more than 2 1/2 feet.
(f) 
Waste and recycling materials. The occupant of any rental unit shall be responsible for compliance with all waste and recycling regulations of the Township of Monroe. The owner, operator or registered agent shall require by the lease terms that the tenant/occupant comply with such regulations. Failure to do so will be deemed a violation of this chapter by the owner, operator or registered agent. Evidence of written notice to the occupant of his/her obligation to recycle shall be an absolute defense to such violation.
(2) 
Appearance of exterior of premises and residential structures. The exterior of the premises, the exterior of dwelling structures and the condition of accessory structures shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and all buildings thereon shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the residential standards of the neighborhood or such higher standards as may be adopted as part of a plan of urban renewal by the Township of Monroe and such that the appearance of the premises and the structures shall not constitute a negative impact for adjoining property owners nor an element leading to the progressive deterioration and downgrading of the neighborhood with the accompanying diminution of property values, including the following:
(a) 
Storage of commercial and industrial material. There shall not be stored or utilized at a location visible from the sidewalk, street or other public areas equipment and materials relating to commercial or industrial uses unless permitted under Chapter 175, Land Management, for the premises.
(b) 
Storage of unregistered or nonoperable vehicle(s). There shall not be stored or utilized at a location any nonoperable vehicle(s). Any repair of motor vehicle that occurs on site may not exceed a period of 24 hours.
(c) 
Any rental location or property shall not be permitted to erect any accessory building that is not in conformance with the requirements of § 175-89. All existing structures at the time of the amendment to this Code are permitted; however, if they are in disrepair and deemed unsafe, they must be demolished, and any replacement structure shall adhere to this chapter and section.
(d) 
Landscaping. Premises shall be kept landscaped, and lawns, hedges and brushes shall be kept trimmed and from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed to public view and where the same constitute a negative impact depreciating adjoining property and impairing the good residential character of the neighborhood. No automobiles shall be parked upon lawns or placed for sale on front lawns.
B. 
Conveyance of property. The owner, operator and/or registered agent of any property under order by the public officer to repair or demolish said property shall not convey such property to a new owner without first notifying the public officer. The new owner shall comply with the order of the public officer as served upon the seller of said property and shall not occupy said building or premises until the order of the public officer is obeyed and a certificate of occupancy is issued by the public officer.
C. 
Obstructions. The front, side and backyards, the driveways, walks or other parts of the outside premises of any building or any lot on which no building is located shall not contain any boxes, barrels, sticks, stones, bricks, bottles, cans, metal drums, iron pipe, old sheet metal, old furniture, used or unused motor vehicles or boats, auto parts, old tires, unused bicycles or parts, filth, junk, rubbish, trash, debris, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, old lumber or firewood, unless such lumber or firewood is neatly stacked and not more than five feet in height or piled on supports of least eight inches above the ground and stored not less than one foot from the property line; nor shall the grass or weeds on such premises be allowed to attain a growth of more than 10 inches. Shrubs and flowering woody plants shall be kept under control and shall not be allowed to grow beyond the boundaries of the premises on which a building is located. Various and sundry shacks and outhouses, including toolhouses, storage sheds and garages, shall be repaired or improved so that they shall be aesthetically and structurally acceptable or shall be demolished and removed. Every fence which wholly or partially encloses a premises on which a building is located must be maintained in a manner that is aesthetically and structurally acceptable and shall not have broken posts, broken supporting members nor holes or voids in such fence.
Landlords shall be responsible for maintaining an orderly premises and are held to standards of responsibility in the selection of tenants and supervision of the rental premises, requiring that under certain circumstances, as hereinafter described, such landlords may be required to post adequate bond against the consequences of disorderly behavior of their tenants and, in the case of subsequent violations, forfeit such bond, in whole or in part, in compensation for the consequences of such behavior.
A. 
For a complaint of conduct upon or in proximity to any rental premises, and attributable to the acts or incitements of any of the tenants of those premises, which have been subject to two legitimate police service calls within a period of six months, as set forth under § 162-3 or substantiated by prosecution and conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction as a violation of any provisions of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes or any Township ordinance governing disorderly conduct, the Court may, for the first offense, impose a fine of $1,200 upon the landlord.
B. 
For the second offense, which shall be defined as a third legitimate police service call within one year of the first offense or a second conviction within one year of the first offense, the Court shall impose a fine of $1,200 upon the landlord and revoke the person so convicted of his or her right to operate any commercial business in the unit from where the first and/or second offense occurred for a period of up to six months and a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months.
C. 
At the conclusion of any twenty-four-month period, if two complaints, on separate occasions, of conduct upon or in proximity to any rental premises, and attributable to the acts or incitements of any of the tenants of those premises, as set forth § 162-6A above and in the fifth month of the revocation, as set forth in § 162-6B, the Township Council or any officer or employee of the Township designated by the Township Council for the purpose may institute proceedings to require the landlord of those premises to post a bond against the consequences of future incidents of the same character as resulted in the revocation.
D. 
Notice of tenant conviction.
(1) 
In the event a tenant is convicted of any of the conduct described in § 162-6A, the governing body or Director of Community Development, or the employee designated pursuant to § 162-6A of this section, shall cause notice advising that the conduct specified has occurred, to be served on the landlord, in person or by registered mail, at the address appearing on the tax records of the Township.
(2) 
The Director of Community Development or person designated pursuant to § 162-6A and C shall cause to be served upon the landlord, in person or by registered mail to the address appearing on the tax records of the Township, notice advising of the institution of such proceedings, together with particulars of the substantiated complaints upon which those proceedings are based, and of the time and place at which a hearing will be held in the matter, which shall be in the Township Municipal Building, Township Municipal Court or other public place within the Township, and which shall be no sooner than 30 days from the date upon which the notice is served or mailed.
E. 
At the hearing convened pursuant to § 162-6C, the Hearing Officer shall give a full hearing to both the complaint of the Township and to any evidence in contradiction or mitigation that the landlord, if present or represented and offering such evidence may present. The Hearing Officer may consider, to the extent deemed relevant by the Hearing Officer, prior complaints about the residents of the property, even if those complaints did not result in a conviction. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall determine whether the landlord shall be required to post a bond in accordance with the terms herein.
F. 
Any bond required to be posted shall be in accordance with the judgment of the Hearing Officer, in light of the nature and extent of the offenses indicated in the substantiated complaints upon which the proceedings are based, to be adequate in the case of subsequent offenses to make reparation for damages likely to be caused to public or private property and damages consequent upon disruption of affected residents' rights of fair use and quiet possession of their premises, securing the payment of fines and penalties likely to be levied for such offenses, and compensating the Township for the costs of repressing and prosecuting such incidents of disorderly behavior, but no such bond shall be in an amount less than $500 or more than $5,000. The Township may enforce the bond thus required by action in the Superior Court, and shall be entitled to an injunction prohibiting the landlord from making or renewing any lease of the affected premises for residential purposes until that bond or equivalent security, in satisfactory form and amount, has been deposited with the Township.
G. 
A bond or other security deposited in compliance with Subsection F of this section that remains in force for a period of three years. Upon the lapse of the specified period, the landlord shall be entitled to the discharge thereof, unless prior thereto further proceedings leading to a forfeiture or partial forfeiture of the bond or other security shall have been had under § 162-7, in which case the security shall be renewed in an amount and for a period that shall be specified by the Hearing Officer.
A. 
If, during the period for which a landlord is required to give security pursuant to § 162-6, a substantiated complaint is recorded against the property in question, the Director of Community Development or his/her designee may institute proceedings against the landlord for the forfeiture or partial forfeiture of the security, for an extension as provided in § 162-6G, of the period for which such security is required, or for an increase in the amount of security required, or for any or all of those purposes.
B. 
Any forfeiture or partial forfeiture of security shall be determined by the Hearing Officer solely in accordance with the amount deemed necessary to provide for the compensatory purposes set forth in § 162-6F. Any decision by the Hearing Officer to increase the amount or extend the period of the required security shall be determined in light of the same factors set forth hereinabove and shall be taken only to the extent that the nature of the substantiated complaint or complaints out of which proceedings arise under this section indicates the appropriateness of such change in order to carry out the purposes of this act effectually. The decision of the Hearing Officer in such circumstances shall be enforceable in the same manner as provided in § 162-6F.
C. 
A landlord may recover from a tenant any amount of security actually forfeited as described hereinabove, N.J.S.A. 40:48.
A. 
The New Jersey State Housing Code shall be enforced by the Director of Code Enforcement/Community Development and the Construction Official of the Township of Monroe.
B. 
The Director of Code Enforcement/Community Development shall appoint the Housing Officer and/or Code Enforcement Officer to exercise the powers prescribed by this chapter.
C. 
A report shall be made annually to the Director of Code Enforcement/Community Development, the same to be submitted on or before December 31 of each year, setting forth all proceedings under this code and containing such statistics as the Director of Code Enforcement/Community Development may request to be included. The aforesaid report shall be submitted to the Mayor and Township Council of the Township of Monroe.
D. 
The Director of Code Enforcement/Community Development shall appoint the Housing Officer who shall under the direction of the Director of Community Development/Code Enforcement Officer perform inspection work involved in eliminating blight, restoring and/or eliminating subnormal housing accommodations, conduct rental and resale inspections as scheduled, inspect buildings for public health and safety violations, confer with individual property owners relevant to service of notices and violations, inspect houses and apartments after completion of repairs to ensure compliance, including but not limited to abandoned houses throughout the Township, coordinate inspections and interact with various departments.
[Added 9-11-2017 by Ord. No. O:29-2017]
A. 
All buildings or structures used, occupied or offered for occupancy as rental units on a lease or rental basis shall hereinafter be registered, in writing, on a form provided by the Township Clerk or designee, which form shall be signed by the owner, operator and/or the registered agent and filed with the Director of Community Development.
B. 
Filing and contents of registration forms. Without in any way intending to infringe upon the requirements of N.J.S.A. 46:8-28, all rental units shall be registered as provided herein. Every owner, operator or registered agent shall file with the Director of Community Development or designee a registration form for each unit contained within a building or structure, which shall include the following information:
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018]
(1) 
The name and address of the record owner or owners of the premises and the record owner or owners of the rental business if not the same persons. In the case of a partnership, the names and addresses of all general partners shall be provided, together with the telephone numbers for each of such individuals indicating where such individuals may be reached both during the day and evening hours. If the record owner is a corporation, the name and address of the registered agent and corporate officers of said corporation shall be provided, together with the telephone numbers for each of such individuals indicating where such individuals may be reached both during the day and evening hours. All registration addresses shall be physical addresses; post office boxes alone are insufficient.
(2) 
If the address of any record owner is not located in New Jersey, the name and address of a person residing or who has a principal office in New Jersey who is authorized to accept notices from a tenant and to issue receipts therefor and to accept service of process on behalf of the record owner.
(3) 
The name and address, including the dwelling unit number of the superintendent, janitor, custodian or other individual employed by the owner or registered agent to provide regular maintenance service, if any.
(4) 
The name, address and telephone number of an individual representative of the owner or registered agent who may be reached or contacted at any time in the event of an emergency affecting the premises or any unit of dwelling space therein, including such emergencies as the future of any essential service or system, and who has the authority to make emergency decisions concerning the building and any repair thereto or expenditure in connection therewith.
(5) 
The name and address of every holder of a recorded mortgage on the premises.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
(6) 
If fuel oil is used to heat the building and the landlord furnishes the heat in the building, the name and address of the fuel oil dealer servicing the building and the grade of fuel oil used.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
(7) 
As to each rental unit, a specification of the exact number of sleeping rooms contained in the rental unit. In order to satisfy the requirement of this provision, an owner shall submit a floor plan which shall become part of the application and which shall be attached to the registration form when filed by the Township Clerk or designee.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
(8) 
Such other information as may be prescribed by the Township of Monroe.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
C. 
Registration form; indexing; public inspection; fee. The Township Clerk or designee shall index and file the registration form and make it reasonably available for public inspection. In doing so the Township Clerk or designee shall follow the mandates of N.J.S.A. 46:8-28.1, as amended and supplemented, so that the filing of the registration form will simultaneously satisfy the registration requirements of N.J.S.A. 46:8-28 to the extent that it applies to the property being registered and will also satisfy the registration requirements of this chapter.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
D. 
The Township Clerk or the designee shall maintain a master index of all such registration forms and any person may obtain from the Township Clerk or designee a list of all rental units properly registered upon payment of a fee as set forth in § 162-10, Fees.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
E. 
Registration form; amendments. Every person required to file a registration form pursuant to this chapter shall file an amended registration form within 20 days after any change in the information required to be included thereon. No fee shall be required for the filing of an amendment except where the ownership of the premises is changed.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
F. 
Prohibitions on occupancy. No person shall hereafter occupy any rental unit, nor shall the owner permit occupancy of any rental unit, within the Township of Monroe which is not registered in accordance with this chapter.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018; 3-27-2019 by Ord. No. O:09-2019]
Refer to § 74-19, Housing inspections, certificates of occupancy and compliance.
A. 
Certificate of occupancy; when required.
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018; 3-27-2019 by Ord. No. O:09-2019]
(1) 
Certificates of occupancy shall be required for human habitation of all existing dwelling units in the Township of Monroe before a change in occupancy of any unit may be effected.
(2) 
All rental units shall be inspected annually to retain their certificate of occupancy. The certificate of registration will run from January 1 to December 31.
B. 
Additional requirements for certificates unaffected. The certificate of occupancy required herein does not repeal or amend requirements for other certificates of occupancy heretofore provided for by ordinances of this municipality or statutes of the State of New Jersey.
C. 
Application for certificate.
(1) 
An application for a certificate of occupancy for change in occupancy shall be made to the Housing Department of the Township of Monroe.
(2) 
An application for inspection must be completely filled out and submitted to the office of the Housing Department.
(3) 
The Housing Official and/or Code Enforcement Officer shall thereupon cause an inspection to be made of the subject dwelling unit to determine if such unit is fit for human habitation and in compliance with all applicable Township ordinances and laws of the State of New Jersey related to maintenance, safety and health, including a well test when applicable every five years.
D. 
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors required. In addition to the requirements for a certificate of occupancy hereinabove set forth, it shall also be required that each such dwelling unit have installed therein a minimum of one smoke detector and one carbon monoxide detector approved, listed and labeled "smoke detector" and "carbon monoxide detector," sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion, installed in a manner and location consistent with its listing. When activated, the detector(s) shall provide an alarm suitable to warn the occupants within the building.
E. 
Responsibility for obtaining certificate of occupancy. The owner, representative and/or registered agent representing the owner and/or estate of each dwelling unit, subject to this chapter, is hereby charged with the responsibility for making written application to the Housing Department for a certificate of occupancy. In the event that a change of occupancy is also accompanied by a change of ownership of a dwelling unit, the buyer of such dwelling unit may waive the seller's responsibility and assume the same; provided, however, that such waiver shall be in writing. Said waiver shall state that the buyer is fully aware that he/she or it is assuming full responsibility for obtaining a certificate of occupancy pursuant to this chapter and such written waiver shall be filed with the Housing Department.
F. 
If in the event there is a sale, transfer or conveyance of a dwelling that is unfit for occupancy at the time of the transfer, the new owner, purchaser or entity within which title is held shall be required to execute an affidavit under oath containing a list of all repairs necessary for legal occupancy. Said affidavit shall be effective for 60 days and repairs to the dwelling must begin immediately after the sale and commence within 60 days. An extension of the sixty-day period shall only be granted for good cause as determined by the Housing Official and/or Code Enforcement Officer. The purchaser of said dwelling shall be responsible for applying for the transfer of ownership prior to the scheduled closing and shall be responsible thereafter to maintain the dwelling and structure.
G. 
The Housing Official and/or Code Enforcement Officer shall, within 10 working days of the receipt of the fully completed application for a certificate of occupancy and the accompanying fee pursuant to this chapter, make such inspections as are required and, upon determining that the requirements of § 162-21, when applicable, and § 162-11D above have been complied with, issue a certificate of occupancy.
H. 
If, upon the inspection or reinspection aforesaid, the Housing Official and/or Code Enforcement Officer or his representative finds the subject dwelling unit is not in compliance, said official or his representative shall thereupon, and within the said 10 working days, notify the applicant, in writing, of such noncompliance, specifically setting forth the violation or violations which require corrections.
I. 
Upon correction of the violations, the applicant shall notify the Housing Officer and/or Code Enforcement Officer, in writing, and shall submit a reinspection fee of $25 with such notification, whereupon the Housing Officer and/or Code Enforcement Officer shall reinspect the subject dwelling within five working days of receipt of such notification and reinspection fee. This procedure shall be followed until all violations have been corrected, at which time a certificate of occupancy shall be issued.
J. 
The Housing Officer and/or Code Enforcement Officer shall furnish copies of all regulations referred to herein to any person for a fee not to exceed $3.
A. 
Each rental unit shall be inspected at least once every twelve-month period.
B. 
Such inspections shall be performed by such person, persons or agency duly authorized and appointed by the Director of Code Enforcement/Community Development with the consent of the Mayor and Township Council, and inspections made by person(s) or an agency other than the duly authorized and appointed person, persons or agency of the Township of Monroe shall not be used as a valid substitute.
C. 
Such inspection shall be for the purpose of determining compliance to all applicable zoning, housing, property maintenance, fire, public safety, health and welfare.
D. 
Unsatisfactory inspection. In the event that the inspection(s) of a rental unit does not result in a satisfactory inspection, such property shall not thereafter be registered nor shall a Certificate of Registration be issued, and the owner of the property or his registered agent shall not lease or rent such property nor shall any tenant occupy the property until the necessary corrections have been made so as to bring the property and rental unit into compliance with the applicable code and the property is thereafter subsequently inspected, registered and issued a Certificate of Registration. In the event that the property is occupied when such conditions are discovered, all such corrections shall be made within 60 days, and if not made within that time period, the owner shall be deemed in violation of this chapter, and every day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct violation, subject to the penalty provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018]
A. 
The enforcement officers are hereby authorized and directed to make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises located within the Township of Monroe in order that they may perform their duty of safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants of dwellings and of the general public. For the purpose of making such inspections, the enforcement officers are hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey at all reasonable times all dwellings, dwelling unit(s) or rooming unit(s), or the person in charge thereof shall give the enforcement officers free access to such dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit and its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of such inspection, examination and survey. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall give the owner thereof or his agent or employee access to any part of such dwelling or dwelling unit or its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with any lawful rule or regulation adopted or with any lawful order issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Code Enforcement Officers are hereby authorized to make inspections to determine the condition of rental facilities, rental units and rooming/boardinghouses in order that they may promote the purposes of this chapter to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of rental facilities, rental units and rooming/boardinghouses and of the general public. For the purposes of making such inspections, the inspecting officers are hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey rental facilities, rental units and rooming/boardinghouses at all reasonable times. The owner or occupant of every rental facility, rental unit and rooming/boardinghouse shall give the inspecting officer free access to the rental facility, rental unit and rooming/boardinghouse at all reasonable times for the purpose of such inspections, examinations and surveys.
C. 
Complaints. Within 72 hours of the receipt of a complaint alleging a reported violation of this chapter, a public officer shall conduct an inspection as hereinbefore provided.
A. 
Providing registration form and Truth in Renting Handbook to occupants and tenants. Every owner shall provide each occupant or tenant occupying a rental unit with a copy of the registration form required by this chapter as well as the Truth in Renting Handbook published by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. This particular provision shall not apply to any hotel, motel or guesthouse registered with the State of New Jersey pursuant to the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Act as defined in N.J.S.A. 55:13A-3. This provision may be complied with by posting a copy of the registration certificate in a conspicuous place within the rental unit(s).
B. 
Maximum number of occupants; posting. The maximum number of occupants shall be posted in each rental unit. It shall be unlawful for any person, including the owner, agent, tenant or registered tenant, to allow a greater number of persons than the posted maximum number of occupants to sleep in or occupy overnight the rental unit for a period exceeding 10 days.
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018]
Payment of taxes and other municipal charges required. No rental unit may be registered and no Certificate of Registration shall be issued for any property containing a rental unit unless all municipal taxes and any other municipal assessments are paid at the time of filing.
Only those occupants whose names are on file with the Housing Department as provided in this chapter may reside in the licensed premises. It shall be unlawful for any other person to reside in said premises, and this provision may be enforced against the landlord, tenant or other person residing in said premises.
The maintenance of all rental facilities and the conduct engaged in upon the premises by occupants and their guests shall at all times be in full compliance with all applicable ordinances and regulations of the Township of Monroe and with all applicable state and federal laws.
Any landlord, tenant or other person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018]
A. 
Notice. Whenever an inspecting officer determines that there has been a violation of this chapter, he/she shall serve a written notice of the violation on the owner, operator and/or registered agent, which shall include a statement of the reasons why it is being issued and what action, if any, the owner, operator and/or registered agent must take to abate the violation. Said notice shall also state that the violation(s) must be corrected within 10 days and, if not, that the certificate of occupancy for the subject premises shall be revoked, in addition to the remedies and provisions set forth elsewhere in this chapter. Said period for correction may be extended or abbreviated by the housing officer for a definite number of days for good cause. Good cause for such extension shall include but is not limited to delays in the correction of the violations caused by weather conditions, unavailability of building/construction materials, and/or unavailability of contractors hired to correct the violations or the existence of emergent circumstances affecting the health or safety of occupants or residents of the Township of Monroe.
B. 
Revocation; appeal.
(1) 
If a violation is not corrected within 10 days of the service of a notice thereof, or any extension or abbreviation given, the inspecting officer may serve an order upon the owner, operator and/or registered agent that the certificate is revoked and occupancy prohibited, effective five days from the service thereof.
(2) 
In addition to any other penalty prescribed herein, an owner, operator or registered agent may be subject to the revocation or suspension of the certificate of registration issued hereunder upon the happening of one or more of the following on repeated and/or multiple occasions evidencing a pattern of disregard of this chapter:
(a) 
Conviction of a violation of this chapter in the Municipal Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) 
Continuously permitting the rental unit to be occupied by more than the maximum number of occupants as defined in this chapter.
(c) 
Maintaining the rental unit or units or the property in which the rental unit is a part in a dangerous condition likely to result in injury to person or property.
C. 
Hearings.
(1) 
Any person affected by any notice which has been issued in connection with the enforcement of any provision of this chapter, or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the officer, provided that such person shall file in the office of the Housing Department a written petition requesting such hearing and setting forth a brief statement of the grounds therefor within 10 days after the day the notice was served. Upon receipt of such petition, the officer shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof. At such hearing the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why such notice should be modified or withdrawn. The hearing shall be commenced not later than 10 days after the day on which the petition was filed, provided that, upon application of the petitioner, the officer may postpone the date of the hearing for a reasonable time beyond the ten-day period if, in his judgment, the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for such postponement.
(2) 
After such hearing, the officer shall sustain, modify or withdraw the notice, depending upon his findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with. If the officer sustains or modifies such notice, it shall be deemed to be an order. Any notice served pursuant to this chapter shall automatically become an order if a written petition for a hearing is not filed in the office of the Housing Officer and/or Code Enforcement Officer within 10 days after such notice is served.
(3) 
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the officer may seek relief therefrom in any court of competent jurisdiction, as provided by the laws of the state.
(4) 
Whenever the officer finds that an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the public health or safety, he may, without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action be taken as he deems necessary to meet the emergency. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately but, upon petition to the officer, the petitioner shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible. After such hearing, depending upon his findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with, the officer shall continue such order in effect, modify it or revoke it.
[Amended 5-29-2018 by Ord. No. O:16-2018]
A. 
A complaint seeking the revocation or suspension of a certificate of registration may be filed by any one or more of the following: Chief of Police, Construction Code Official, Housing Inspector, the Zoning Enforcement Officer or any other person or officer authorized to file such complaint. Such complaint shall be in writing and filed with the Township Clerk or designee. The complaint shall be specific and shall be sufficient to apprise the licensee of the charges so as to permit the licensee to present a defense. The individual(s) filing the complaint may do so on the basis of information and belief and need not rely on personal information.
(1) 
Upon the filing of such written complaint, the Township Clerk or designee shall immediately inform the Township Council, and a date for a hearing shall be scheduled which shall not be sooner than 20 days nor more than 45 days thereafter. The Township Clerk or designee shall forward a copy of the complaint and a notice as to the date of the hearing to the licensee and the agent, if any, at the address indicated on the registration form. Service upon the agent shall be sufficient.
(2) 
The hearing required by this section shall be held before a hearing officer designated by the Township. Such hearing officer should preferably be a Municipal Court Judge or retired Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, depending upon availability. Such officer shall transmit his/her findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendation for penalty to the Township Council within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing. The Township Council shall then review the matter and may accept, reject or modify the recommendations of the hearing officer based on the record before such hearing officer. Following the hearing, a decision shall be rendered dismissing the complaint, revoking or suspending the certificate of registration or determining that the certificate of registration shall not be renewed or reissued for one or more subsequent years.
(3) 
The hearing shall be recorded. All witnesses shall be sworn prior to testifying. The rules of evidence shall not be strictly applied, and the evidential rules and burden of proof shall be those that generally control administrative hearings.
(4) 
The Township Solicitor or his designee shall appear and prosecute on behalf of the complainant in all hearings conducted pursuant to this section.
B. 
Defenses. It shall be a defense to any proceeding for the revocation, suspension or other disciplinary action involving a certificate of registration by demonstrating that the owner has abated the conditions or circumstances giving rise to the revocation proceeding, including but not limited to the institution of legal action against the tenant(s), occupant(s) or guest(s) for recovery of the premises, eviction of the tenant(s) or otherwise.
The Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized and directed, as part of their inspections set forth in § 162-4, to require that all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises located within the Township comply with all of the terms and conditions of N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq. (Private Well Testing Act). The requirements set forth within the Act shall be a condition of the issuance of a housing permit and/or certificate of occupancy for a resale or rental property. In addition to the requirements set forth in the Act, the owner, prior to a transfer of the structure set forth herein, shall be required to remediate any deficiencies without any exceptions. There shall be no exemptions or temporary permits issued wherein it is determined that there is noncompliance with the Act or the requirements of the Township Code.
The Director of Community Development or designee is authorized to promulgate such forms as may be necessary from time to time in order to implement and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
No person shall occupy as owner-occupant or rent to another for occupancy any dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not conform to the provisions of the New Jersey State Housing Code established hereby as the standard to be used in determining whether a dwelling is safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation.
The Township of Monroe may, upon proper notice to the owner, operator and/or registered agent, direct the abatement of a nuisance to correct a defect or put the premises in such proper condition so as to comply with the requirements of this chapter, and the costs thereof, upon the certification to it by the public officer of the amount of the costs, shall be charged as a lien against the subject lands and premises and shall be added to and form a part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon such lands and premises, to bear interest at the same rate as taxes, and shall be collected and enforced in the same manner as taxes.
Whenever the Housing Code Official, and/or any public official, finds that an emergency exists with reference to a dwelling unit and/or rental facility, and the provisions of this chapter require immediate action to protect the health of the occupants or the general public, he/she may, without notice or hearing, serve an order, upon the owner or registered agent, as the case may be, reciting the existence of such emergency. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately. The owner or registered agent to whom the order is directed shall comply therewith immediately, unless he/she appeals to the Housing Code Official, Board of Health, or other designated Township official as hereinabove provided, as soon as possible, within a period not to exceed five days. The order shall state the right to such hearing.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. O:24-2019]
A. 
Cellars and basements. No cellar area or any part thereof shall be used for sleeping purposes. Basements may be used for sleeping purposes, provided that the entire basement complies with all requirements of this chapter, that all furnaces or other heating or hot water facilities are so located, insulated and separated from living areas by resistive partitions of two-hour fire rating, that fire extinguishers are provided at an accessible location in proximity thereto for use in case of fire and that the floors, ceilings and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water and are insulated from and free from dampness and moisture.
B. 
Heat. Every rental facility shall have heating facilities which are properly installed, maintained in good and safe working condition and capable of safely and adequately heating all applicable rooms, bathrooms and water closets located therein to a temperature of at least 70° F. when the outside temperature is 0° F. The temperature shall be read at a height of three feet above floor level at the center of the room.
C. 
All heating facilities located on the same floor with sleeping or living facilities shall be separated from said sleeping or living facilities by a fire-resistant wall.
D. 
Lighting and ventilation.
(1) 
Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to outdoors, which shall be of sufficient size and location so that, when combined with artificial lighting and ventilating devices, said room will be fit for human occupancy, in accordance with the minimum standards hereinafter set forth with respect to lighting and ventilation.
(2) 
Means of ventilation shall be provided for every habitable room. Such ventilation may be provided by an easily operable window or skylight, or by other acceptable means, which will provide at least two air changes per hour.
(3) 
Means of ventilation shall be provided for every bathroom or water closet compartment. Such ventilation may be provided by an easily operable window or skylight or by other acceptable means which will provide at least six air changes per hour.
E. 
Kitchen. Every dwelling unit in which the regular preparation of meals is to be accomplished must be equipped with a means of natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation sufficient to promptly remove cooking odors to the exterior of the premises.
F. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
Every foundation, floor, wall, ceiling, door, window, roof or other part of a building shall be kept in good repair and capable of the use intended by its design, and any exterior parts or part thereof subject to corrosion or deterioration shall be kept well painted.
(2) 
Every inside and outside stairway and every porch and appurtenance thereof shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon and kept in sound condition and good repair. Every stairway having three or more steps shall be properly banistered.
(3) 
Every porch, balcony, roof and/or similar place higher than 30 inches above the ground used for egress or for use by occupants shall be provided with adequate railings. Such protective railings shall be properly balustraded and shall not be less than three feet in height.
(4) 
Every roof, wall, window, exterior door and hatchway shall be free from holes or leaks that would permit the entrance of water within a dwelling or be a cause of dampness.
(5) 
Every foundation, floor and wall shall be free from chronic dampness.
(6) 
Every rental facility shall be free from rodents, vermin and insects. Rodents or vermin extermination and rodent proofing or vermin proofing may be required by the inspecting officer or the Board of Health.
(7) 
Every rental facility shall be clean and free from garbage or rubbish and other hazards to safety. Lawns, hedges, trees, bushes, and other forms of vegetation shall be kept trimmed and shall not be permitted to become overgrown and unsightly. Fences shall be kept in good repair.
(8) 
The inspecting officer, Code Official or the Board of Health may issue an order to clean, repair, paint, whitewash or paper such walls or ceilings when a wall or ceiling in a dwelling has deteriorated so as to provide a harborage for rodents or vermin, or when such wall or ceiling has become stained or soiled or where the plaster wallboard has become loose or badly cracked or missing.
G. 
Fire protection. Each rental facility shall contain a fire extinguisher on every floor or portion thereof used as a rental facility. These should be kept in a designated location in a condition which will permit efficient operation without delay.
[Added 2-14-2023 by Ord. No. O:02-2023]
A. 
Definitions. Unless otherwise specified herein, the following definitions shall be used for terms within this section:
ADVERTISE or ADVERTISING
Any form of solicitation, promotion and communication for marketing used to solicit, encourage, persuade or manipulate viewers, readers or listeners into contracting for goods and/ or services in violation of this section, as same may be viewed through various media, including but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, flyers, handbills, pamphlets, commercials, radio, direct mail, internet websites, or text or other electronic messages, for the purpose of establishing occupancies or uses of rental property for consideration, which are prohibited by this section.
CONSIDERATION
Soliciting, charging, demanding, receiving or accepting any legally recognized form of consideration, including a promise or benefit, a quid pro quo, rent, fees, other form of payment, or thing of value.
DWELLING UNIT
Any structure, or portion thereof, whether furnished or unfurnished, which is occupied in whole or in part, or intended, arranged or designed to be occupied, for sleeping, dwelling, specifically excluding any hotels or motels, cooking, gathering and/ or entertaining, as a residential occupancy, by one or more persons. This definition includes an apartment, condominium, building, cooperative, converted space or portions thereof that is offered to use, made available for use, or is used for accommodations, lodging, cooking, sleeping, gathering and/ or entertaining of occupants and/ or guest(s) for consideration.
HOUSEKEEPING UNIT
Shall mean and constitutes a family- type situation involving one or more persons, living together that exhibits the kind of stability, permanency and functional lifestyle equivalent to that of a traditional family unit, as further described in the applicable reported and unreported decisions of the New Jersey Superior Court.
OCCUPANT
Any individual using, inhabiting, living, gathering, entertaining, being entertained as a guest, or sleeping in a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, or having other permission or possessor right(s) within a dwelling unit.
OWNER
Any person(s) or entity(ies), association, limited-liability company, corporation or partnership or any combination, who legally uses, possesses, owns, leases, subleases or licenses (including an operator, principal, shareholder, director, agent or employee, individual or collectively) that has charge, care, control or participates in the expenses and/or profit of a dwelling unit pursuant to a written or unwritten agreement, rental, lease, license, use, occupancy agreement or any other agreement.
PERSON
An individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, association, entity and any person(s) and/or entity(ies) acting in concert or any combination therewith.
RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY
The use of a dwelling unit by an occupant(s).
RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL
The use of any artificial structure, basin, chamber, or tank containing a body of water for the primary purpose of swimming, diving, or recreational or therapeutic bathing.
B. 
Minimum term.
(1) 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Township Code, it shall be unlawful for an owner, lessor, sublessor, any other person(s) or entity(ies) with possessory or use right(s) in a dwelling unit, their principals, partners or shareholders, or their agents, employees, representatives and other person(s) or entity(ies), acting in concert or a combination thereof, to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for soliciting, advertising, offering, and/or permitting, allowing, or failing to discontinue the use or occupancy of any dwelling unit, as defined herein, for a period of less than 28 days.
(2) 
Nothing in this section will prevent formation of an otherwise lawful occupancy of a dwelling unit for a rental period of 28 days or more.
(3) 
Nothing in this section will prevent formation of an otherwise lawful occupancy of a dwelling unit for a rental period of less than 28 days to an active duty member of the United States military.
(4) 
Nothing in this section will prevent formation of an otherwise lawful occupancy of a dwelling unit for a rental period for less than 28 days, provided that the owner of the premises physically resides on the premises for the entire rental period and has received approval from the Township Planning and Zoning Board to operate as a bed-and-breakfast.
(5) 
The residential occupancy of an otherwise lawful and lawfully occupied dwelling unit for a period of less than 28 days by any person who is a member of the housekeeping unit of the owner, with or without consideration, such as house guests, is permitted.
C. 
Residential swimming pools. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Township Code, residential swimming pool rentals are not permitted. It shall be unlawful for an owner, lessor, sublessor, any other person (s) or entity(ies) with possessory or use right(s) in a residential swimming pool, their principals, partners or shareholders, or their agents, employees, representatives and other person(s) or entity(ies), acting in concert or a combination thereof, to receive or obtain actual or anticipated consideration for soliciting, advertising, offering, and/or permitting, allowing, or failing to discontinue the use of any residential swimming pool, as defined herein, for any duration of time.
Notices issued by a public officer pursuant to this chapter shall be served upon the owner, operator and/or registered agent, either personally or by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such person are unknown, then the serving of such notices shall be made by posting a copy thereof upon the subject premises in a conspicuous place and forwarding said notice to the tax bill address.
In any case where the provisions of this chapter impose a higher standard than set forth in any other local ordinances or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the standards that are set forth herein shall prevail, but if the provisions of this chapter impose a lower standard than any other local ordinances or of the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the higher standard contained in any such other ordinance or code shall prevail.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed 90 days, or by both fine and imprisonment, and each violation of any of the provisions of this chapter and each day the same is violated shall be deemed and taken to be a separate and distinct offense.
[Added 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. O:10-2023]
A. 
Purpose and intent. It is the purpose and intent of the Township to establish a business insurance registration system within the Township to comply with N.J.S.A. 40A:10A-1 et seq.
B. 
Liability insurance, negligent acts, omissions; business owners, rental unit, units owner.
(1) 
Except as provided in Subsection B(2) of this section, the owner of a business or the owner of a rental unit or units pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:10A-1 et seq. shall maintain liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions in an amount of no less than $500,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence.
(2) 
The owner of a multifamily home which is four or fewer units, one of which is owner-occupied, shall maintain liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions in an amount of no less than $300,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence.
C. 
Certificate of insurance, annual registration, municipality business, rental units, multifamily home.
(1) 
The owner of a business, owner of a rental unit or units, and the owner of a multifamily home of four or fewer units, one of which is owner-occupied, shall annually register the certificate of insurance demonstrating compliance with Subsection A of this section with the Township of Monroe.
(2) 
For violations of any provision in this section, a fine of not less than $500 but no more than $5,000 shall be imposed against an owner who failed to comply with the provisions of this section.
[Added 10-26-2023 by Ord. No. O:39-2023]
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this chapter, campgrounds, as defined in § 162-3, shall be excluded from the enforcement of this chapter.