NJ - I'm NOT the homeowner and am being ticketed for lawn care

[Victoria Bounassi]

I'm looking for legal advice. For the past few months, I have resided in my grandma's house so I can resolve a few debts and get back on my feet. Our neighbor is not a very understanding individual and has pestered the family for years over silly things. Most recently, he complained about the lawn needing to be cut and the bushes on the side of the house being overgrown. As a result, I was ticketed/cited to appear in court.

My concern is that I don't feel as though I should be held responsible for the maintenance of the house since it isn't mine. I am simply renting a room for a few months. As far as I'm concerned, the HOMEOWNER is responsible for any citations as a result of lawn neglect. As much as I'd love to just pay the ticket and be done with the issue, I don't have the money they are asking for and (more importantly) I don't want to have this on MY belt considering it's not my responsibility.

Do I have a leg to stand on? I don't understand how they can ticket ME when it's not my property by any means.

I live in Passaic County in NJ if that helps at all. I can't seem to find any ordinances or statutes that define who's responsible.

Please help!!