SECAUCUS — According to a press release from the Office of Mayor Michael Gonnelli, representatives of the Secaucus construction office, the Rooming and Boarding Division of the state Department of Community Affairs, and the Police Department responded last week to a one-family residence based upon residents’ complaints that the location was allegedly being used as a boarding house.
Upon inspection, the officials agreed that the registered one-family house appeared to be used as an alleged illegal unregistered rooming and boarding house.
In densely populated Hudson County, some property owners carve illegal apartments out of their homes, offering them to renters who need to save money. The tiny apartments may violate building codes, fire codes, and other codes meant to keep dwellers safe.
The press release alleged that there were two beds in the basement, a room on the first floor, and three separate bedrooms on the second floor. The state also identified at least three occupants staying at this house.
The state inspector found enough evidence to charge the owner with operating an illegal rooming and boarding house as well as various other state and local violations.
If convicted of these violations, the owners could face penalties in excess of $33,000.
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