NEWARK, NJ — People renting a home in Newark would get some extra protection under a proposed city law that passed its first reading on Tuesday, officials say.

The proposed ordinance would protect all those renting apartments in Newark by requiring comprehensive code enforcement inspections of units prior to a change in occupancy, according to a statement from the office of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

"Many tenants in Newark rent substandard apartments due to the failure of landlords to maintain their properties after receiving an initial certificate of occupancy," Baraka said. "Under this ordinance, before a rental unit can change hands, the landlord must have it inspected by the city, brought up to a decent condition, and registered with the city to assure future compliance with our codes.