[Amended 7-8-1996 by Ord. No. 8-96]
No person, firm or corporation shall rent or
lease or suffer to allow any other person or persons to live in or
inhabit as a tenant any dwelling house, apartment or dwelling in the
Borough of Hampton unless said person, firm or corporation shall have
first obtained from the Borough a permit to do so. A permit shall
be obtained each time a new tenant occupies a rental unit.
Said permit shall be issued by the Chairman
of the Board of Health or by the Secretary at the direction of a majority
of the Board of Health.
Applications for permits shall be made in writing
and shall state the name and address of the owner, the name and address
of the renting agent, if any, and shall describe the premises to be
occupied, including the street address thereof.
[Amended 4-12-1993 by Ord. No. 6-93]
The application fee for the issuance of each
permit shall be $25. If more than one reinspection is made by the
appropriate official or officials of the Board of Health because of
the owner's failure to correct defects previously disclosed, there
shall be an additional $15 for each subsequent reinspection so required.
No permit shall be issued for any dwelling that
is not fit for human habitation. The Board of Health shall determine
that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if it finds that conditions
exist in such dwellings which are dangerous or injurious to the health
or safety of the occupants of such dwelling, the occupancy of neighboring
dwellings or residents of the municipality. Such conditions may include,
without being limited to, defects increasing the hazard of fire, accident
or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary
facilities; dilapidation, disrepair or structural defects and uncleanliness.
The Board shall have such powers as may be necessary
or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions
of this chapter, including the following powers:
A. To investigate the dwelling conditions in the Borough
of Hampton in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit
for human habitation.
B. To administer oaths and affirmations and to examine
witnesses and receive evidence.
C. To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations.
D. To delegate any of its functions and powers to such
officers and agents as it may designate.
The Tax Search Officer for the Borough shall
note on all real estate tax searches that a rental permit is required
referencing this chapter.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions
of this chapter shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment
for a period not exceeding 90 days and/or a period of community service
not exceeding 90 days. Violation of any provisions of this chapter
shall be a summary offense.