Rent Leveling
Introduction
The Fair Lawn Rent Leveling Board was created by the Mayor and Council and constituted under and regulated by N.J.S.A. 2A:42-74, et seq., N.J.S.A. 40:48-2 and 40:69A-30, Borough Code Chapter 177, Sections 177-1 to 177-20, the Open Public Meeting Act N.J.S.A.10:4-6, et seq. and the Senior Citizens and Disabled Tenants Protected Tenancy regulations of N.J.A.C. 5:24-1, et seq.
The Board consists of the following seven members: two landlord representatives; two tenant representatives and three homeowner representatives. Additionally, three alternate members are appointed, one for each representative group.
General Information
All residential dwellings, other than owner-occupied two family houses, are under rent control. Housing units newly constructed and rented for the first time are exempted and the initial rent may be determined by the landlord. All subsequent rents are subject to the provisions of the Rent Leveling Ordinance.
A tenant may institute a proceeding by completing and filing an approved complaint with the Secretary of the Rent Leveling Board. A landlord may make an application to the Board for an additional rental increase based upon pertinent sections of the ordinance. The Vacancy Decontrol Application or the Hardship Application can be obtained by selecting the link. Forms can also be obtained in the Building Department at Borough Hall. Tenants and landlords are advised to obtain the Rent Control Ordinance and Rent Leveling Board By-Laws by selecting these links. These documents can also be viewed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Upon the filing of a complaint by a tenant or an application by a landlord, the matter is set down for a hearing before the Rent Leveling Board and the parties are notified of the date for the hearing at which their presence is required.
🏠 New Rental Property Information
If you are planning to rent out a property in the Borough of Fair Lawn, please note that there are several steps you must complete before occupancy.
1. Register Your Rental with the Clerk’s Office
All rental properties must be registered with the Borough Clerk’s Office.
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Complete the rental registration form and return to the Clerk's Office. They can be emailed to nmagarelli@fairlawn.org
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Keep your registration current as changes occur.
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A copy must be presented to your tenant(s)
📍 Location: Borough Clerk’s Office, 8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue
📞 Contact: 201-794-5340
2. Schedule a Fire Safety Inspection
A Fire Prevention inspection is required to ensure that the property meets safety standards prior to new occupancy.
- Review the required occupancy sheet
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Schedule your inspection through the Fire Prevention Bureau.
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Make sure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are installed and functioning.
📍 Contact: Fire Prevention Bureau – 201-794-5408
3. Obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate
Under New Jersey’s Lead-Safe Certification Law (P.L. 2021, c.182), all rental properties built before 1978 must be inspected for lead-based paint hazards.
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Lead inspections are conducted by a certified inspector or risk assessor.
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Once inspected, a Lead-Safe Certificate must be filed with the Borough.
Certificates can be emailed to: leadinspections@fairlawn.org
📍 More information: NJ Department of Community Affairs – Lead-Safe Certification Program