Landlord Registration & Certificate of Occupancy in Paterson, NJ

Paterson · Passaic County, New Jersey

Last reviewed: June 30, 2026

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General information, not legal advice. This page summarizes how New Jersey's statewide landlord-registration law works and what we have (or have not yet) confirmed about Paterson's local certificate-of-occupancy requirement. Always confirm current details with the municipal office before you rent.

How to register as a landlord in Paterson

New Jersey's New Jersey Landlord Registration / Identity Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-27 to 46:8-37) applies statewide, so the registration requirement is the same in Paterson as it is everywhere else in New Jersey. It requires landlords to file a certificate of registration identifying who owns and manages the property and who to reach in an emergency.

Where to file

  • One-unit rentals, and two-unit non-owner-occupied properties: Municipal clerk of the town where the property is located (or the official the clerk designates).
  • Three or more units (multiple dwellings): NJ DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection.
  • Single- and two-family rentals (2007 amendment): Owners of tenant-occupied single-family and two-family properties must also file a registration with the DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection (46:8-28.5), with limited exceptions (e.g., certified lead-free or post-1978 owner-occupied two-family, seasonal rental under 6 months).

Key obligations

  • File within 30 days, or at creation of the first tenancy in a newly constructed/reconstructed building (46:8-28).
  • Give each tenant a copy of the registration certificate at the start of a new tenancy (46:8-29).
  • File an amended certificate within 20 days of any change to the form's information (46:8-28.2).

If you don't register

In an action for possession by a non-compliant landlord, no judgment for possession until registration; the court continues the case up to 90 days, then dismisses (46:8-33). Penalty up to $500 per offense (46:8-35); tenant rights cannot be waived (46:8-36).

Official source: NJ DCA - Landlord Identity Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-27 to 46:8-37) (PDF)

Generate your Paterson landlord registration kit

A completed registration statement with every statutory field, filing instructions routed to the right office, and a tenant copy. We show you what to file and where; some towns also require their own form.

Start the registration kit for Paterson

Certificate of occupancy / rental inspection in Paterson

N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12a and 40:48-2.12m authorize municipalities to require a certificate of inspection or occupancy for residential rental property prior to a new occupancy. This is why the requirement exists town-by-town rather than as one statewide process.

Confirmed requirementLast verified: 2026-06-30
Program
Certificate of Re-Rental Approval
Office
Division of Community Improvements, Department of Community Development
When it's triggered
Required immediately before a new tenant takes possession (change of occupancy).
What to know
Inspection conducted while the unit is vacant and no more than 30 days before the new tenant's possession; inspection within 3 business days of the request, with a temporary approval if not completed in time.

Local programs and fees change. Confirm the current rule with Division of Community Improvements, Department of Community Development before relying on it.

Paterson landlord FAQs

Do I have to register as a landlord in Paterson?

Yes. New Jersey's Landlord Registration / Identity Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-27 to 46:8-37) applies statewide, including Paterson. For a single-unit rental or a two-unit non-owner-occupied property you file with the municipal clerk; for three or more units you file with the NJ DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection. A 2007 amendment also requires single- and two-family rental owners to file with the DCA.

Does Paterson require a certificate of occupancy before renting?

Yes. Paterson runs a Certificate of Re-Rental Approval. Required immediately before a new tenant takes possession (change of occupancy). Inspection conducted while the unit is vacant and no more than 30 days before the new tenant's possession; inspection within 3 business days of the request, with a temporary approval if not completed in time. Confirm current details with Division of Community Improvements, Department of Community Development and the official sources on this page.

Forms & tools for Passaic County landlords

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a licensed attorney or real estate professional for advice specific to your situation.