Annual Inspections FAQs


Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What does this postcard mean?

Answer: The postcard is your advanced notification of an interior/exterior inspection to be performed on your property within the next few weeks. As part of the new Real Property Assessment Demonstration Program, once every five years an inspector will come to your home to verify the accuracy of your property record card.

 

Question 2: Can I view my current property record card today?

Answer: Yes. All property record cards are available on the county public record website at https://oprs.co.monmouth.nj.us/oprs/External.aspx?iId=12

 

Directions: Click Departments – Tax Assessor – Assessment Records Search – Choose District “Manalapan”. Now, enter your Address (Note: leave out road, street, blvd, etc).  When you locate your property, click: More Info – Then click the “Property Card” button in the upper left hand corner. If you find any inaccuracies or incorrect information, please contact the Assessor’s Office immediately.

 

Question 3: When are the inspectors coming?

Answer:  The inspections will begin shortly after notification cards are received via mail.  The inspections will be done in groups, in block and lot order from 9AM to dusk. There is unfortunately no way to know the exact time an inspector will be at your home.

 

Question 4: Can I make an appointment in advance?

Answer: No. Due to the large volume of inspections to be completed in a short period of time the most efficient way to conduct the inspections is in block & lot order, by multiple inspectors, with predetermined routes.  Please see next question for more information regarding appointments.

 

Question 5: What if I am not home?

Answer:  If an adult is not at the property, the inspector will continue with the exterior inspection, and leave a door hanger with instructions to do a virtual interior. The inspector will make a maximum of (3) physical visits so the virtual inspection is a great and convenient option for the homeowner.

 

Question 6: What if I don’t let them in?

Answer: You have the right to refuse the inspection. Please keep in mind the Township of Manalapan and Realty Data Systems will make every effort to cause taxpayers the least possible inconvenience. The inspectors are trained professionals and will be quick (5-7 minutes within your interior).  The inspector’s job at time of inspection is not to make a judgment of value, rather to collect pertinent information to be used in the valuation process by the assessor. If you would like to refuse the inspection, please visit www.rdsnj.com; click APPOINTMENTS to select the refusal form.

 

Question 7: Will this inspection affect my property tax?

Answer: The inspectors collect essential property data on behalf of the municipality. RDS plays no role in determining your property assessment nor tax amount. Inspectors are instructed to direct any questions to us in the Tax Assessor’s Office. The sole focus of the inspection is to ensure the property records are complete and accurate.

 

Question 8: How many inspections will there be?

Answer: Every property will be inspected once within a five-year cycle.

 

Question 9: How do I know the inspector is legitimate?

Answer: All RDS inspectors are easily identifiable. Each inspector will be wearing a high visibility vest and/or jacket, and will be displaying an RDS photo ID.

All inspectors are highly trained and given thorough background checks prior to employment. For verification purposes, each inspector and his/her vehicle are registered with the Manalapan Township Police Department.

 

Question 10: What information is being collected by the inspectors?

Answer: The data collectors will be collecting information such as:

–        Exterior measurements

–        Exterior improvements (pool, deck, patio, etc)

–        Type of heat / air conditioning

–        Condition of home

–        Number of rooms

–        Number of bathrooms

–        A picture will be taken of the EXTERIOR of the house for our database.

 

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.