New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S183

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  
Report Pass
9/29/22  
Engrossed
10/17/22  
Refer
10/20/22  

Caption

Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disables residents moving to lower floors.

Impact

The enactment of S183 would likely result in changes to existing housing laws, specifically regarding the allocation of units in multi-story buildings. The legislation supplements existing laws under P.L.1967, c.76, which oversees the control and management of multiple dwellings. By introducing the concept of priority status, the bill attempts to enhance housing accessibility for vulnerable groups, potentially altering how property owners manage tenant applications for lower-floor units. It does not interfere with existing affordability or targeting requirements but adds an additional layer of protection for qualifying residents.

Summary

Bill S183 is designed to support senior citizens and individuals with disabilities by providing them with priority status when seeking to move into lower-floor units in multiple dwellings that have three or more floors. The legislation mandates that owners of such dwellings must grant a right of first refusal to qualifying residents over non-qualifying applicants, thereby facilitating easier access to lower-floor accommodations which is often crucial for those with mobility challenges. This adjustment aims to improve living conditions for these populations within the state of New Jersey.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding S183 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates focusing on disability rights and senior citizen support. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward ensuring equitable access to housing for those who might otherwise struggle to find suitable living arrangements. However, there are concerns about potential pushback from property owners who may feel burdened by the requirements to prioritize certain applicants, indicating that while many see the need for this bill, its implementation might spark some contention among stakeholders.

Contention

Notably, the priority system could lead to debates about how effectively it will be implemented and whether it will create an undue burden on landlords. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility of adapting existing rental processes to accommodate the new priority requirements. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the definitions of ‘qualifying residents’ and how the priority status will be perceived in terms of fairness in housing opportunity.

Companion Bills

NJ A2267

Same As Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disabled residents moving to lower floors.

Previously Filed As

NJ S388

Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disabled residents moving to lower floors.

NJ A4588

Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disabled residents moving to lower floors.

NJ S2208

Requires owners of multiple dwellings with at least nine units to provide certain maintenance services; permits municipalities to require owners of multiple dwellings with six to eight units to provide these services.

NJ S4244

Requires multiple dwelling building owners to provide notice to tenants and tenant associations of certain sales and provides tenant association with opportunity to purchase multiple dwelling.

NJ A5126

Requires multiple dwelling building owners to provide notice to tenants and tenant associations of certain sales and provides tenant association with opportunity to purchase multiple dwelling.

NJ A1390

"Sebastien's Law"; revises certain requirements for window guards in certain multiple dwellings.

NJ A4483

“Justin Christian El-Abiad, Robert E. Dwight, Jr., Raquan Ellis, Zahir Atkins, and Sebastien Manzalaoui Act"; revises window guard requirements in certain residential rental units and multiple dwellings.

NJ A11308

Relates to certain alterations to multiple dwellings; repealer

NJ S3633

“Justin Christian El-Abiad, Robert E. Dwight, Jr., Raquan Ellis, Zahir Atkins, and Sebastien Manzalaoui Act"; revises window guard requirements in certain residential rental units and multiple dwellings.

NJ S410

Concerns carbon monoxide detectors in multiple dwellings and certain hotels.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.