New Jersey Senate Bill S1094

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Clarifies intent of Legislature to protect certain senior tenants; aligns housing age restrictions federal law.

Impact

The proposed legislation aligns state law with federal regulations which allow for age-restricted housing exemptions while ensuring that communities developed primarily for seniors do not circumvent local rent control ordinances. By limiting exemptions to those not reserved for seniors, the bill aims to protect critical housing affordability for older residents. The adjustment in age eligibility is significant, allowing a broader demographic of seniors access to rent-controlled units which may alleviate housing burden in urban areas where retiree populations are growing.

Summary

Bill S1094, introduced in New Jersey, aims to clarify the state's intent regarding rent control provisions as they pertain to senior housing. The bill amends existing legislation from 1987 that exempted newly constructed multiple dwellings from local rent control ordinances for a limited time, intending to encourage new rental housing development. S1094 emphasizes the need to apply local rent control rules specifically to buildings designed for seniors, revising the definition of 'senior citizens' from 62 years to 55 years of age. This change reflects contemporary housing trends where 55+ communities are prevalent and comply with current federal housing laws.

Contention

Discussion around S1094 has highlighted contentious issues among stakeholders, including real estate developers and senior advocacy groups. Proponents argue that adjusting the age definition enhances housing accessibility for an aging population, while critics express concerns that this could impact the development dynamics in local housing markets and potentially limit investment in affordable housing. There are also worries that local governments could lose flexibility in managing housing policies tailored to their communities, especially considering New Jersey's diverse urban and rural landscapes.