You can appeal/defend in court.
Ask the housing authority for a proof of mailing. They won't be able to provide one.
I won a case in So. Plainfield with this defense. It may work for you in this instance.
Huge Brand New construction Apartment in 2 family home with 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms
4 Bd | 3Full Ba
$4,500
Any South Orange landlords here? If so, were you notified to renew your rental registration back in August? I didn't receive the usual email notification that I've received since 2015 and now they're charging me a $300 late fee for a $125 rental registration. Grrrr.