New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4770

Introduced
10/17/22  
Refer
10/17/22  
Report Pass
1/23/23  
Engrossed
1/26/23  
Refer
1/26/23  

Caption

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

Impact

This legislation holds landlords accountable by requiring them to obtain annual certifications from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding the maintenance of installed filters. It also introduces civil penalties of up to $500 per day for those who fail to comply with the installation and maintenance rules. As such, the bill significantly impacts state laws related to child care facility standards and water quality regulations, driving efforts to ensure a safer environment for vulnerable populations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4770 requires landlords of residential or non-residential buildings that rent spaces to child care services providers to install and maintain water filters if they have previously denied access to the public community water system for the replacement of lead service lines. This measure aims to protect children from potential lead exposure in drinking water, especially in facilities caring for six or more children under the age of 13. The bill mandates that certain point-of-use filters, certified to meet specific NSF/ANSI standards, be installed at all water fixtures intended for use in food preparation or drinking during operations.

Contention

A significant point of contention in discussing AB A4770 includes its implications for landlord-tenant relationships. The bill provides tenants the right to file for rent escrow if landlords do not adhere to the requirements, allowing them to withhold rent until compliance is achieved. Additionally, if a tenant or a child under care experiences elevated blood lead levels due to a landlord's negligence, the landlord faces unlimited civil liability. This concern raises debates about the balance of responsibilities and protections offered to both landlords and tenants within the context of tenant rights and health safety.

Companion Bills

NJ S3415

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

Previously Filed As

NJ A2938

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

NJ S3415

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

NJ S1050

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

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 A3712

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.

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 A5432

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S3683

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S1569

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

Similar Bills

NJ S3415

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

NJ S1050

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

NJ A2938

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

NJ A5026

Codifies and enhances use of breach of implied warranty of habitability as defense to certain eviction actions.

NJ S280

Codifies and enhances use of breach of implied warranty of habitability as defense to certain eviction actions.

NJ S1666

Codifies and enhances use of breach of implied warranty of habitability as defense to certain eviction actions.

NJ S4347

The "Safeguarding Livable Units through Municipal Landlord Oversight and Regulation by DCA" or "SLUMLORD Act"; strengthens habitability protections for residential tenants; appropriates $5 million.

NJ S3829

Establishes Master Leasing Pilot Program to facilitate housing of certain households; appropriates $20 million.