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Jackson Township Introduces $500 Monthly Fee to Tackle Illegal Short-Term Rentals

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 5:18 GMT by app.com

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Jackson Township Introduces New Fee to Crack Down on Illegal Rentals and Code Violations

In an effort to address a growing tide of illegal short‑term rentals and pervasive housing code violations, Jackson Township’s Board of Trustees has adopted a controversial new fee structure that will target owners who keep unregistered or non‑compliant units on the market. The measure, unveiled last month at the township’s annual meeting, is designed to raise funds for enforcement, bring dangerous properties into compliance, and protect residents from the risks associated with illegal housing practices.

The Problem: A Pervasive Housing Code Crisis

Jackson Township, located in the southeastern corner of the county, has long struggled with a backlog of code violations. According to the township’s most recent housing code audit, more than 300 properties were cited for violations ranging from deficient electrical wiring and inadequate fire exits to uninspected mold and improper building permits. Local officials say that at least 50 of these properties are being rented out illegally—often on short‑term rental platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and local equivalents—without meeting health or safety standards.

The rise in illegal rentals began in earnest a few years ago, as the township’s population grew and the cost of housing climbed. Many property owners saw an opportunity to generate extra income by converting single‑family homes into high‑turnover rental units. However, because these conversions were often done without proper permits or inspections, the units became breeding grounds for unsafe conditions: faulty wiring, broken fire alarms, and sub‑standard plumbing. In addition, the lack of licensing meant that local authorities had no way to enforce safety regulations, leaving residents exposed to potential fire or health hazards.

The issue gained national attention when a local journalist from the Associated Press published a series of investigative pieces on the town’s housing code violations. The article, which appeared online last week, highlighted the dangerous living conditions in several illegally rented apartments and raised concerns about the township’s ability to enforce the law. The AP story also linked to a county‑wide database that tracks housing violations and to an official township ordinance that details the current fee schedule for code violations. Those links served as a catalyst for the board’s latest proposal.

The Fee Proposal: How It Works

Under the new fee structure, any property owner who is found to be renting out a unit that fails to meet the township’s housing code standards will be required to pay a penalty of $500 for each month the unit remains in violation. This fee is in addition to the existing fines that can reach up to $1,000 per violation. The board has made it clear that the fee is not intended to serve as a punitive measure alone, but rather as a funding mechanism to support the township’s enforcement program.

The revenue generated by the fee will be earmarked for a variety of enforcement initiatives:

• Hiring additional code inspectors – The township’s current staffing levels are 1.5 full‑time inspectors, a number the board believes is insufficient given the backlog. The new fee will fund the recruitment of two additional inspectors, bringing the total to three.

• Expanding inspection technology – The board plans to invest in drone‑based roof inspections and advanced software that can track violations in real time. This technology will help inspectors identify dangerous conditions more efficiently.

• Public education campaigns – Funds will also be used to develop educational materials for residents on how to report code violations and how to maintain safe living conditions.

• Legal support for enforcement actions – The township will also retain legal counsel to pursue civil actions against owners who refuse to comply with the ordinance.

The fee is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will be applied retroactively to any illegal rental units that have been in violation since January 1, 2024. The township’s Treasurer, Tom Smith, explained that retroactive application would “ensure that owners who have been operating illegally without consequence for years are held accountable.”

Stakeholder Reactions

Reactions to the fee proposal have been mixed. Supporters say the measure is a necessary step toward protecting the safety of township residents and ensuring that property owners are held to the same standards as legitimate landlords.

“Every year we’re inundated with complaints about unsafe living conditions that could end up in a fire or a health crisis,” said Mayor Linda Rogers. “This fee will give us the resources we need to keep our community safe.”

Opponents, however, have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact on small landlords and the possibility of creating a new tax burden for residents who already pay property taxes. A group of property owners, led by the local Chamber of Commerce, filed a formal objection to the board’s decision, arguing that the fee is punitive and could deter investment in the township.

“We understand the need for safety, but this fee is disproportionate and will discourage legitimate investment in rental properties,” said Chamber President Mark Ellis. “We urge the board to consider a more balanced approach.”

The township’s legal team has indicated that they are prepared to defend the fee in court if necessary, citing state statutes that allow local governments to impose additional charges for enforcement purposes. However, they acknowledged that a legal challenge could delay the fee’s implementation.

Looking Ahead

The board’s adoption of the illegal‑rental fee marks a significant shift in how Jackson Township will tackle its housing code challenges. By tying enforcement resources to the penalties themselves, the township aims to create a self‑sustaining system that reduces the number of unsafe, unregistered rentals over time.

In addition to the fee, the township is working on a broader “Housing Code Reform” plan, which includes stricter licensing requirements for short‑term rentals, an expanded database of code violations accessible to the public, and a new “Safety Seal” certification for compliant properties. The board intends to roll out these initiatives over the next two fiscal years, with the goal of eliminating illegal rentals and ensuring that all housing in Jackson Township meets the state’s safety standards.

For residents seeking more information, the township’s website now hosts a comprehensive FAQ on the new fee, and a public hearing is scheduled for March 15 to allow community members to voice their concerns and suggestions. The board also encourages residents to report suspected illegal rentals directly through the township’s online portal.

The new fee is a bold move that could set a precedent for other townships grappling with similar housing challenges. Whether it will successfully curb illegal rentals remains to be seen, but it undeniably signals Jackson Township’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and maintaining a healthy, compliant housing market.