Property Maintenance

The Borough of Highland Park is committed to maintaining a safe, clean, and well maintained community for all residents and visitors.  The cooperation of property owners and residents is essential in ensuring properties are properly maintained and in compliance with local regulations.

Enforcement includes but is not limited to:

  • Rental Registration
  • Change of occupancy Rental Inspections
  • Lead Based Paint Visual Inspections
  • Resale Inspections
  • Temporary Resale Inspections
  • Damaged Sidewalks
  • Lack of essential heat/cool
  • Poor maintenance, deteriorating structures
  • Overcrowding of residences
  • Vacant Property Registration
  • Suspected Infestations
  • Trash, litter or debris
  • Unsanitary conditions
  • Overgrown weeds/Snow Removal

For additional information regarding housing and property maintenance requirements, please refer to the Municipal Code.

Report a Concern

Residents may anonymously report concerns on a property by clicking on the link below.

Resale Application

The owner of any residential building or dwelling unit, whether single-family or multi-family, must obtain a Resale Certificate before the change/transfer in ownership.

It is the responsibility of the property owner and/or realtor to submit all required applications and documentation.

Failure to apply for a resale certificate may result in a fine of up to $500.00 per day.

All open building permits must be closed prior to closing.
Information regarding open permits may be obtained through the Construction Department at (732) 777-6013.
If you are not the property owner, an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request must be submitted through the Clerk’s Office.

Smoke Detector / Carbon Monoxide Requirement

A Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Inspection is required at the time of change in occupancy or ownership in accordance with the NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3) and Middlesex County Fire Marshal Ordinance 10-1811.

  • Inspections are conducted by the Middlesex County Office of the Fire Marshal
  • The affidavit option is no longer available
  • The Smoke/CO Certificate must be requested and registered with the Fire Marshal’s Office
  • A copy of the valid Smoke/CO Certificate must be submitted to the Code Enforcement Office

⚠️ The final Resale Certificate will NOT be issued until the Smoke/CO Certificate has been received and approved.

Middlesex County Fire Marshal
1001 Fire Academy Drive
Sayreville, NJ 08879
Phone: (732) 316-7171
Email: firemarshal@co.middlesex.nj.us

Additional Requirements

  • A final water meter reading must be scheduled and completed with the Tax/Water Department prior to closing

Tax Collector/Water Department
Maryann Auntenale
Phone: (732) 819-3787
Email: mautnnale@hpboro.com

Temporary Resale Application

A Temporary Resale Certificate may be issued when a property is not in habitable condition at the time of closing or when the buyer acknowledges existing violations and intends to complete renovations.

The Temporary Resale Certificate is valid for up to 3 months. An extension may be granted upon proof that corrective work is in progress.

It is the responsibility of the buyer to schedule the required resale inspection after the affidavit is submitted.

Both the Resale Application ($75) and Temporary Resale Application ($50) must be submitted and paid in full.

Rental Inspection Procedure

To obtain a Rental Certificate, the following requirements must be completed:

Registration
A current rental registration must be submitted.

Lead-Based Paint Inspection
Required every 3 years or at change of occupancy, whichever occurs first.
Inspections may be completed by the Borough inspector ($145) or a certified contractor.

⚠️ Please Note:

  • A Lead-Safe Certificate and a Lead-Free Certificate are not the same.
  • Unless a valid Lead-Free Certificate issued by a licensed contractor is provided, a visual lead-based paint inspection is required at each change of occupancy or every 3 years, whichever occurs first.

Rental Liability Insurance
In accordance with P.L. 2022, c. 92, property owners must maintain liability insurance coverage of not less than $500,000.

Rental Inspection
Required at each change of tenancy or every 5 years if no change occurs.
Re-inspections are required for failed inspections $50. The property owner must contact Code Enforcement within 10 days to reschedule.

 

Emergency Inspections
Available upon request at an additional cost: $125 initial inspection + $150 emergency fee = $275 total.

Rent Control

The Borough of Highland Park maintains rent control regulations applicable to all rental dwellings, including single-, two-, three-, and four-family units.

The allowable rent increase is determined annually in October and becomes effective on January 1st of the following year.

The 2026 allowable rent increase of 3.25% was certified by the Rent Control Board on September 25, 2025.

To Tenants 

If your landlord is attempting to increase your rent beyond the allowable limit, please provide them with the official memo from the Department of Code Enforcement.

If the issue is not resolved, you may complete a Tenant Complaint Form and submit it to rentcontrol@hpboro.com.

Request a Hardship Rent Increase

Property owners seeking a Hardship Rent Increase pursuant to §321-31 may click HERE to access the application.

All properties must be registered with the Department of Code Enforcement prior to submitting a Hardship Rent Increase application.

Vacant Property Registration Procedure

All vacant and abandoned properties must be registered with the Borough of Highland Park in accordance with Ordinance §303-15.

To comply, the following requirements must be completed:

1. Registration Application
A Vacant Property Registration Application must be submitted to the Department of Code Enforcement.

2. Owner and Responsible Party Information
The property owner must provide current contact information, including a 24-hour emergency contact.
If the owner resides outside the State of New Jersey, a local responsible agent must be designated.

3. Property Maintenance
The property must be properly maintained at all times, including:

  • Securing all doors and windows
  • Maintaining the exterior (grass, weeds, and snow removal)
  • Preventing accumulation of trash, debris, or unsafe conditions

4. Inspections
The Borough may conduct inspections to ensure compliance with property maintenance and safety requirements.

5. Registration Renewal & Fees
The registration must be renewed annually until the property is no longer vacant.
Fees are as follows:

  • Initial Registration: $500
  • First Renewal: $1,500
  • Second Renewal $3,000
  • Subsequent Renewal: $5,000

Note

Code Enforcement inspections are conducted on a set schedule. The inspection time provided by the office is the exact time the inspector will arrive. Inspectors will not call to confirm appointments and will only contact you if there is a delay or emergency rescheduling.
(This does not apply to building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspections.)

If you are unavailable, you must reschedule in advance or ensure that a representative 18 years or older is present to provide access.

Payment Requirements:
All fees must be paid in full by check, cash (exact change), or money order. Credit cards and online payments are not accepted.

All checks must be made payable to BOROUGH OF HIGHLAND PARK.