06/03/2026
Got one of these in the mail? So did a lot of homeowners right now, and I’ve already gotten a few calls asking “wait, is this legit??” YES, it is! Here’s what’s actually going on.
Your local Tax Assessor’s Office is required by law to inspect every property at least once per multi-year cycle to verify the data on your property record card. Things like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, finished basement, additions, that kind of stuff. They use a third party company called Realty Data Systems (RDS) to do the legwork.
Here’s the thing, they’re not coming in to judge your decorating choices. They just want to make sure what’s on file actually matches your home.
You have a few options:
Allow an exterior inspection (they may walk around the outside and into the backyard through unlocked gates).
Do a virtual interior inspection. No app, no downloads, just a quick video call from your smartphone. Easy.
Decline entirely by visiting www.rdsnj.com and completing a Refusal Form, but just know that declining could affect your property record and your ability to appeal your assessment down the road.
Why does this matter to YOU as a homeowner? Because your property record card directly impacts your assessed value, which impacts your property taxes. If the data on file is wrong (and it often is!), this is actually a great opportunity to get it corrected.
If you got one of these and you’re not sure what to do, or you’re wondering how your assessment compares to your home’s actual market value, let’s talk. That’s exactly the kind of thing I love to break down for people.
Valentina Grbavac, Broker Assoc.
🧭 Compass RE
📲 717-574-1423
☎️ 732-936-5248 📍Licensed in PA & NJ
📧 [email protected]
