New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3712

Introduced
5/2/22  
Refer
5/2/22  
Refer
2/13/23  
Report Pass
5/18/23  
Engrossed
5/25/23  

Caption

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of residential units for lead drinking water hazards.

Impact

This legislation modifies existing state regulations regarding lead management in drinking water and sets clear guidelines for landlord responsibilities. It includes provisions for the Department of Health to develop an informative notice about the risks associated with lead in drinking water and requires landlords to provide key information to tenants. This initiative is expected to enhance compliance with lead safety standards and improve the drinking water quality for many residents, ultimately aiming to foster a healthier living environment.

Summary

A3712, recently adopted in New Jersey, addresses lead hazards in drinking water concerning residential units. The bill mandates that landlords disclose any known issues regarding lead service lines to tenants before lease or lease renewal agreements. This measure is driven by public health concerns, aiming to minimize exposure to lead, a substance known to cause serious health problems, especially in children. The bill emphasizes the necessity for transparency between landlords and tenants about the state of water quality in the residences they occupy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding A3712 appears to be largely positive, underscoring a collective concern for public health and safety. Advocates, including public health officials and tenant protection organizations, support the bill as a significant step towards protecting vulnerable populations, especially children, from the dangers of lead exposure. However, some landlords may express concerns regarding the increased responsibility and potential liabilities enforced by the bill.

Contention

The most notable points of contention revolve around the bill's implications for landlords, who may argue about the additional burdens placed upon them. Critics may voice concerns about the enforcement mechanisms and the costs associated with compliance. Nonetheless, the urgency of addressing lead contamination issues, especially in older residential buildings, strengthens the case for the legislation as a necessary public health intervention. The balance between landlord rights and tenant safety is at the core of the discussions surrounding this bill, marking a decisive shift towards more regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

NJ S2695

Same As Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of residential rental units for lead drinking water hazards.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2695

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of residential rental units for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ A2929

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S1034

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ A4623

Concerns law protecting residential tenants from lead-based paint hazards.

NJ S3368

Concerns law protecting residential tenants from lead-based paint hazards.

NJ A4268

Requires landlords to disclose existence of lead service lines and lead water supply plumbing to tenants.

NJ A2938

Requires landlords of certain properties providing child care services who refuse lead service line replacements to install and maintain water filters.

NJ A4770

Requires landlords of certain properties providing child care services who refuse lead service line replacements to install and maintain water filters.

NJ SF475

A bill for an act relating to testing for and disclosure of lead levels in drinking water prior to the sale or lease of residential real estate.

NJ S2165

Requires landlords to disclose existence of lead service lines and lead water supply plumbing to tenants.

Similar Bills

CA SB1026

Residential energy efficiency disclosure statement.

NJ A2929

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S1034

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S2695

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of residential rental units for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S4453

"New Jersey Rent-to-Own Rights Protection Act"; protects tenant-buyers in residential rent-to-own agreements.

NJ S4496

Prohibits imposition of costs of certain realtor services on residential tenants.

NJ A5829

Prohibits imposition of costs of certain realtor services on residential tenants.

FL H0933

Toxic Mold Protections