Establishment of rental charges for multiple
dwelling units between the landlord and the tenant to whom the provisions
of this chapter are applicable shall hereafter be determined by the
provisions of this chapter. No landlord shall request or receive an
increase in the charge or consideration for the renting out of any
multiple dwelling unit except as permitted by this chapter; any rental
increase in excess of that authorized by the provisions of this chapter
shall be void. The void portion of any rental increase paid by a tenant
shall be returned to such tenant by the landlord.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to
all rentals of housing space within the Township of Freehold, except:
A. Housing space being rented for the first time which
shall not be restricted in the initial rent charged. Any subsequent
rental increase, however, shall be subject to the provisions of this
chapter.
B. Vacant units which shall not be restricted in the
rental charged. Any subsequent rental increase, however, shall be
subject to the provisions of this chapter.
C. Multiple dwellings containing fewer than four dwelling
units.
D. Motels, hotels and similar type buildings.
E. Housing space which has been converted to condominium
units, after the units' bona fide sale subsequent to conversion.
During the term of this chapter, the landlord
shall maintain the same level of community amenities and facilities
as was provided at the date of the inception of the lease. An individual
tenant or a class of tenants may seek a rental reduction by application
to the Rent Control Board if the landlord violates this provision.
If the Board finds that substantially the same level of community
facilities or amenities is not being maintained, it may reduce the
rental charge to a reasonable level taking into consideration its
finding as to the value on a monthly basis of the discontinued or
diminished community facility or amenity.