Chair raises tenant complaints and security-deposit concerns at 94 Park Avenue

The chair opened discussion of landlord-tenant complaints at 94 Park Avenue, saying a letter signed by a board member had been sent to the property owner and three copies were available for review. The chair said tenants had provided a list of complaints and that the matter also raised questions about whether the landlord had properly handled security deposits.

The board emphasized that state requirements govern security deposits and reporting. "You got to pay double or triple," the chair said when discussing penalties he believed applied under New Jersey law. He also said the deposit "is supposed to get an interest earning account," adding that tenants should receive annual statements about interest earned.

Board members discussed where tenants should file complaints and what role the township can play. The chair noted the board's limited jurisdiction: if a tenant complains to the health department or another agency and receives no action, the township can act as a facilitator but typically cannot substitute for state or court enforcement. The chair referenced the municipal judge (Alan, named in roll call) as the official who runs the municipal court, but did not specify a particular filing process.

Members advised tenants to document rent changes and to obtain written evidence if a landlord seeks a higher monthly rent. "Don't sign anything," the chair said, urging tenants to provide copies of any new lease terms so the board could pursue remedies when appropriate. The chair said a letter under a board member's signature had already been sent to the landlord and that the board needs to determine whether to serve notice or pursue court citation procedures.

The meeting also briefly noted there was no new information about a separate matter at 688 Paseo Avenue, and the chair accepted routine business before moving to adjourn. No formal enforcement action or vote on landlord sanctions was taken during the session; the board instead requested staff or members clarify the correct process for handling security-deposit and habitability complaints under state law.

Next steps: the chair said the board will determine the appropriate process for following up on the 94 Park Avenue complaints, including guidance about whether tenants should file with the health department, municipal court, or another authority, and asked tenants to provide written evidence of rent increases or lease changes.