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 application to the Board for an additional rental increase based upon pertinent sections of the ordinance. Vacancy Decontrol Application or Hardship Application Link can be obtained by selecting this link. Forms can also be obtained in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Borough Hall, Room 206. Tenants and landlords are advised to obtain the Rent Control Ordinance Link and Rent Leveling Board By-Laws Link 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.