Brick May Require Background Checks For Renters

BRICK, NJ — If you're a landlord in Brick Township, you will have to conduct background checks on any potential new tenants, under an ordinance the Township Council is set to discuss Tuesday night.

The ordinance, up for a second reading and vote, would amend the township's "Housing Standards" ordinance to add the requirement for checks of criminal court records for convictions in the previous three years, and would apply to all adult members of the household. It also would require a check of landlord/tenant proceedings for any evictions.

The ordinance exempts short-term rentals and seasonal rentals from the background checks.

Landlords who fail to provide proof of criminal background checks will be blocked from obtaining certificates of occupancy for a year, according to the ordinance.

The move comes as the township continues to work to address complaints of criminal activity going on in some neighborhoods and apartment complexes, an issue that has been a sore subject for years. The council enacted an ordinance in 2015 to hold landlords responsible for tenants convicted of crimes while living in their property. It provides for fines and posting of bonds with the township if a tenant is convicted twice of criminal activity within a two-year period.

Many of the complaints have been centered around the Maple Leaf Park apartment complex, and the town has taken additional measures to address the issues. Police Chief James Riccio revived bicycle patrols in the area, to help build a community relationship between the department and the residents. A mentoring program called Thrive brings together teens and younger children for homework and activities to build their confidence, while also working to show them there are alternatives to getting involved with drugs.

It is not unusual for rental companies to require background checks of all adults before accepting tenants into a lease, but some states have pushed back on provisions under the federal Fair Housing Act.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m.

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