Trenton — Ch. 8 Art. III Property Maintenance § 8-195
Condemnation of structures
Operative Text
(a) Generally. When any structure or part thereof is determined by the officer to be unsafe, or when a structure or part thereof is found unfit for human occupancy or use, or is found to be unlawful, it may be condemned pursuant to the provisions of this article and shall be posted with appropriate notice and vacated. It shall not be reoccupied without approval of the officer. Unsafe equipment located within a structure shall also be posted with appropriate notice and placed out of service upon posting. (b) Vacant structures. If any structure or part thereof is vacant and unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, but is not in danger of structural collapse, the officer shall post a placard of condemnation on the premises and shall order the structure closed up so it will not be an attractive nuisance to the public. Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time specified in the order, the officer shall cause the structure to be closed through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons or contractors. The cost for closing up the structure shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall constitute a lien on such real estate.
Under Trenton Ch. 8 Art. III § 8-195, a designated enforcement officer has the authority to condemn structures or portions of structures that are found to be unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or otherwise unlawful. Condemned properties must be posted with official notice and vacated, and no one may reoccupy them without the officer's approval. For vacant structures that are unfit but not at risk of collapse, the officer may order the owner to close up the property; if the owner fails to comply, the city can arrange for closure and charge the cost as a lien against the real estate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-195, property owners in Trenton are expected to maintain structures in a condition that avoids a finding of being unsafe, unfit, or unlawful by the enforcement officer. When a condemnation notice is posted, compliant operators respond promptly to the officer's orders—including closing up vacant structures within the specified timeframe—to avoid the city stepping in and placing the remediation costs as a lien on the property. Keeping records of maintenance, inspections, and communications with the enforcement officer is a practice commonly associated with managing compliance under this article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-195 of Trenton's Property Maintenance Code establishes that tenants living in a structure condemned as unsafe or unfit for human occupancy have a right to receive official posted notice and cannot lawfully be required to remain in a condemned building. If a tenant believes their dwelling has been condemned or should be condemned due to unsafe conditions, they may contact Trenton's code enforcement office to report the situation or request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what relocation assistance or other remedies may be available following a condemnation action under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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