Q: I live in an apartment that I suspect is illegal. How do I find out if it is?
I live on the top floor of a 2 story house. Downstairs is a couple who are also renting. Landlord is a combat vet and uses it to get some kind of discount, not sure how it works. Landlord insists on cash rent, saying he needs to "keep my footprint low." Last tenant left under very odd circumstances. He also insists the tenants keep up the yard, but offers no compensation. How do I know if this is illegal, and what should I do if it is?
A: You can look up the zoning of the house or contact the city. If the house is set up with multiple electric and gas meters I would bet on the house being set up as a multi family.
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A: Check with the building department of the municipality where you live. In NJ, everytime a house is sold or an apartment is leased, a certificate of habitability has to be obtained, A copy must be given to the occupant. The inspection for the presence of a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher must be be present. The inspection is conducted by the municipal fire marshal. Failure to comply can result in serious fines.
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