City objects to renting to college students

[Leo Shilkrot]

I have a 4 bedroom house that is rented to four college roommates. Suddenly I got a call from the fire department saying we didn’t have a fire inspection when changing the tenants last summer. The fire guy came, inspected the house, said that everything is fine but the house is located in the one  family zone, and we need to get a variance to rent to roommates. He said a neighbor reported us and they had to investigate. All this is happening in Madison NJ. What’s defined as a family in NJ. It’s a typical college renting arrangement, one kitchen, no locks on doors.

[Andrew B.]

I spent my college years in Madison, NJ and I actually heard rumors of this law as the reason there was no sorority housing off campus (although there was Frat houses strangely). 

Nevertheless, you may be out of luck if you're actually breaking the code. If I were in your shoes I would tell the town you were told they were siblings and you don't question familial status as it is a protected class. 

If the town is threatening to fine you, you may want an attorney.