New Jersey Assembly Bill A2983

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Clarifies that age restrictions may not be imposed to exclude disabled persons from housing.

Impact

If enacted, A2983 would amend prior laws that allow for age-restricted housing exemptions, specifically addressing the issue where some communities have abused these exemptions to discriminate against families. By mandating that reasonable accommodations be made for residents with disabilities, the bill enhances protections for vulnerable populations. With this legislation, housing providers would be compelled to adjust rules and practices to ensure that disabled residents, along with their families, have fair access to housing options without facing discrimination based on familial relationships or the age of dependents.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2983 aims to clarify existing anti-discrimination laws concerning housing for older persons and individuals with disabilities. The bill stipulates that age restrictions in housing cannot be used to deny accommodation to disabled dependents. Specifically, this means that community associations cannot refuse to sell or lease a unit to families with disabled children based solely on the child's age or disability status. The primary goal is to ensure that disabled persons and their families are provided with equal housing opportunities under the state's Law Against Discrimination.

Contention

During discussions around A2983, there were some concerns regarding its implications for the autonomy of community associations managing age-restricted properties. Some stakeholders argued that the bill could place undue burden on these entities, limiting their ability to enforce age restrictions as intended under existing laws. Critics of the bill emphasized that while the intention is noble—to protect disabled individuals—it may inadvertently complicate the operational dynamics of age-restricted communities by compelling them to adopt more inclusive policies that could clash with their foundational tenets.