Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: medium
When is rental registration or license renewal due in New Jersey?
Short answer
Register 3+ unit buildings with DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection; certificate of registration filed annually
When: Every year from the registration date
Buildings with 3+ units must register with DCA's Bureau of Housing Inspection, post the certificate of registration, and file it annually. BHI inspects multiple dwellings on a 7-, 5- or 2-year cycle depending on violation history.
"The law also requires that the owner of each multiple dwelling of three or more units must file a certificate of registration." nj.gov
"This certificate of registration must be filed annually." nj.gov
Landlord registration statement for 1-2 unit non-owner-occupied rentals (municipal clerk); amend within 20 days of changes Verified
Deadline: File before renting (no eviction allowed while unregistered); amend within 20 days after any change; notify tenants within 7 days of filing an amendment
Owners of non-owner-occupied 1-2 family rentals must file a landlord registration statement with the municipal clerk, give it to tenants and post it, and file an amendment within 20 days of any change.
Who it covers: 1-2 family non-owner-occupied: file with the municipal clerk. Owner-occupied two-family homes exempt. Give a copy to each tenant and post it. Many municipalities layer their own registration/fees.
"A landlord who owns a one or two-family non-owner-occupied home is required by law to file a registration statement with the clerk of the municipality in which the building is located." nj.gov
"must file an amended registration with the correct agency (Bureau of Housing Inspection or clerk of the municipality) within 20 days after any changes to the information on the certificate." nj.gov
Notes: N.J.S.A. 46:8-27 to -37. Unregistered landlords cannot obtain eviction judgments until they comply.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
Register 3+ unit buildings with DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection; certificate of registration filed annually Verified
Deadline: Every year from the registration date
Buildings with 3+ units must register with DCA's Bureau of Housing Inspection, post the certificate of registration, and file it annually. BHI inspects multiple dwellings on a 7-, 5- or 2-year cycle depending on violation history.