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The Asbury Park City Council has adopted laws that will hold landlords responsible for disturbance and maintenance complaints, according to news release issued Thursday.

“Asbury’s a resort town and a seasonal destination, but it’s also a year-round community of full-time residents,” Mayor John Moor said.  “Both these groups can co-exist happily, and this ordinance helps everyone to enjoy Asbury to the fullest whether they’re here for just a short visit or this is their home.”

Unanimously passed during its Aug. 10 City Council meeting, the rules create standards by which a landlord can be fined after two separate complaints are issued within a two-year period, officials said.

The  complaints can include, but are not limited to: assault, terroristic threats, harassment, lewdness, public urination, criminal mischief, or excessive noise. The complaints can be put forward by the Asbury Park Police Department, Fire Department, Code Enforcement, or other relevant city authorities, according to the news release.

“Asbury Park is a growing city,” Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said. “We’ve already seen the need for measures that’ll keep these issues under control, and we’re taking immediate action to put those measures in place.”

If a property is issued two separate complaints within a two-year period, the owner will be required to post a bond in order to cover any future damage or expense, officials said. That amount will be no less than $500 and no more than $5,000.

“We’re incentivizing landlords to be more hands-on in their rentals,” Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton said. “To be mindful of how their property impacts their community and neighborhood, before they turn over their keys.”

The bond will stand for four years and can be discharged in full unless anything in that period has led to the bond being partially or fully forfeited, officials said.

“This kind of policy helps that, and it’s for the good of us all – residents, landlords, and renters,” Councilman Jesse Kendle said.

The new regulations [also known as the animal house ordinance] is patterned off of similar laws adopted in Belmar, officials said.

“We’re delighted that people want to come to Asbury, to spend their leisure and vacation time here,” Councilwoman Eileen Chapman said. “We want to keep ensuring that this is the kind of city that’s a pleasure to come to, and the kind of city that’s happy to welcome visitors as well.”

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