New Jersey Assembly Bill A5870

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/7/23
• Refer: 12/7/23
• Report Pass: 12/11/23
• Engrossed: 1/8/24

Caption

Facilitates construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing built in part through sweat equity by eventual occupant.

Impact

If enacted, A5870 will amend existing state housing laws to streamline the certification process for nonprofits involved in affordable housing projects. It will exempt certain adaptability requirements typically applicable to affordable housing construction, thereby simplifying the requirements for such units. Additionally, this legislation will allow affordability controls maintained by the certified nonprofits to substitute the standards typically required under the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls, thus potentially easing restrictions on how these housing projects are managed and marketed.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5870 aims to facilitate the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing by allowing the eventual occupants to contribute through 'sweat equity'. Sweat equity is defined as the labor provided by members of low- or moderate-income households in the construction or rehabilitation of their dwelling units. This bill mandates that the Commissioner of Community Affairs establish a certification process for nonprofit organizations that wish to facilitate such housing projects, ensuring that these organizations meet specific criteria related to experience, affordability controls, and diversity outreach.

Contention

While this bill has received support for its potential to increase affordable housing stock, there may be concerns regarding whether it diminishes existing regulations designed to ensure equitable access to housing. Critics might argue that exemptions from certain requirements could lead to inferior housing standards or lack of oversight in ensuring that housing remains accessible and adequately marketed to the intended low- and moderate-income populations. As the bill is still under consideration, discussions may continue about balancing expedited housing development against the need for robust protections in affordable housing initiatives.