Homeowners of the Maple Leaf Park condominium community in Brick Township are at odds with neighborhood landlords, accusing them of negligence that is bringing crime and drugs into the complex.

Earlier this month several homeowners of the community plead their case to the Brick Township Council, asking to crack down on absentee landlords, enforce municipal codes, and reduce government subsidized Section 8 tenants.

Mayor John Ducey said from a legal standpoint, there aren't many options available to them other then a stronger law enforcement presence and more stringent code enforcement. He noted the Township has set up meetings to create stricter code enforcement regulations and find ways to enforce current standards.

One of the biggest challenges they face is identifying which units are privately owned and which are rental units. Additionally they are trying to ensure all of the landlords have registered with the Township.

“We’re trying to create a database to try and figure out which one of these units are rentals. Legally, you can’t just go knock on a door and ask ‘do you own this place or are you renting?’” said Ducey.

The mayor said they’re asking anyone who notices any improprieties to contact the township to let them know it’s a rental unit.

While Ducey noted homeowners of the community complained about absentee landlords renting properties out through the government’s Section 8 program, the municipality gets no say in how many rentals can be offered through the program.

“Any homeowner, even if it’s a five million dollar house, if they want to rent to Section 8, they’re allowed to. There’s no limit to how many homes can be rented through Section 8.”

 

 

 

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