Housing, Rental and Code Enforcement FAQs:

Complaints can be filed online by following link (insert link or form). Complaints can be filed in person in city offices. All complaints must be on an official complaint form. All complaints will remain anonymous per state law.

  • A notice of violation is a letter issued to the property owner explaining a perceived violation of City’s ordinance(s). This letter’s intent is to inform the owner of the violation(s) and outline the steps that need to be taken to abate the violation and the timeline in which it needs to be abated by. The property owner or recipient of this letter may contact the issuing inspector to discuss abatement or any other concerns. You should not disregard this letter if you feel it was issued in error.

  • A summons is a legal document notifying you of your required appearance in a court of law. A summons is issued once an inspector reinspects a property and notes that the violation(s) have not been abated. A court date is assigned at the bottom of the summons. If found guilty in court, a fine may be assessed, and the recipient of the summons must still abate the violations. Burlington City fines range from $100 - $2500 per day that a violation exists and is not abated depending on the violation.

The notice will explain the violation and what needs to be done to correct the violation along with a time frame to do it in. If you are still unsure what to do or feel that it was issued in error, the inspector’s information is at the end of the letter. Please contact the inspector directly.

Once a summons is issued, the matter will likely be resolved in court. A court appearance may be required. A court date is assigned at the time of the summons’ issuance and can be found at the bottom of the summons. If you cannot make the court date, please call the court at the number located at the back of the summons to reschedule.

Burlington City requires the following information for each rental unit:
  1. Rental Registration Application
  2. New Tenant property survey
  3. Proof of tenant screening reports
  4. Tenant Change Inspection Application
  5. Payment of all fees, taxes and any other municipal charges
  6. Proof of state registration of multiple Dwellings (if 3 or more units in same building)
  7. Copy of valid photo ID (state or federal)
  8. Lead Free or Lead Safe Certificate
Once ALL the information and payment(s) are received a Rental Inspection must occur PRIOR to anyone occupying the Rental Unit (Failure to follow the procedure will result in fines and possible court summons)

The Landlord Registration is required to be filed yearly and is not pro-rated. The license expires December 31st every year. Landlords must renew the registration by January 31st each year. Rental Certificates must be applied for prior to a new tenant moving in. This certificate is valid only for the tenant it is issued for.

The inspector checks for compliance with the New Jersey State Housing Code as adopted by ordinance. A checklist is provided here. This checklist is not meant to be all encompassing but will provide a good idea of what the inspector is looking for.

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