Keyport officials are considering a measure that will crack down on landlords who rent illegal apartments.

Councilman Joseph Wedick says the seaside community is packed with illegal dwellings, such as garages. Wedick and others say the landlords often cram illegal immigrants into the spaces with little regard for their quality of life. Many residents agree, saying they see tenants living in horrendous conditions while the owners get rich.

Wedick wants to utilize DMV records to track illegal apartments. Similar legislation is already on the books in nearby Riverside. Wedick says the difference is Keyport will punish people who profit off of illegal immigrants, rather than the immigrants. If approved, landlords will be fined up to $2,000.