New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3478

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact current housing statutes significantly, as it supplements existing housing laws by adding a layer of priority for specific demographics, particularly seniors and people with disabilities. Importantly, it specifically states that these new requirements do not override existing affordability or targeting requirements that a building may already have in place. Existing tenants will not be displaced but rather will be given appropriate options to move to more accessible accommodations, ensuring that the legislation aligns with principles of fair housing. The immediate effect of the bill is anticipated to promote better connectivity of senior citizens to essential services and resources by making it easier for them to occupy lower-floor units, which may be crucial for their safety and independence.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3478, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that owners of multi-story residential buildings provide preferential treatment to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities when seeking to relocate to lower floors within the same building. The bill defines 'qualifying residents' as those whose mobility is hindered and establishes a right of first refusal for them, which ensures that applicants from these groups are prioritized over general applicants for lower-floor units. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and improve housing conditions for vulnerable populations.

Contention

In term of contention surrounding A3478, discussions may arise related to the potential implications for landlords regarding the enforcement of such priority measures. Critics could argue that this legislation might inadvertently lead to challenges for property owners managing occupancy levels or could complicate housing allocation processes within multi-unit dwellings. Moreover, while the bill aims to serve a noble purpose, there might be concerns about how it impacts overall rental market dynamics and the accessibility of lower-floor units for all potential tenants. The balance between maintaining existing affordability protocols while implementing this new priority system might also be a focal point for debate.

Companion Bills

NJ S265

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.

NJ S183

Carry Over 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.

NJ A2267

Carry Over 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 S265

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 A2267

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 S183

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.

NJ S2185

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 A3439

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 S999

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 A2398

Requires owners of multiple dwellings with at least nine units to provide maintenance services 24 hours a day.

NJ A296

Extends senior freeze benefits to certain senior citizens and disabled persons who have continuously resided in New Jersey for three years.

NJ S94

Extends senior freeze benefits to certain senior citizens and disabled persons who have continuously resided in New Jersey for three years.

NJ A703

Extends senior freeze benefits to certain senior citizens and disabled persons who have continuously resided in New Jersey for three years.

Similar Bills

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget