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.
Impact
The enactment of S183 would likely result in changes to existing housing laws, specifically regarding the allocation of units in multi-story buildings. The legislation supplements existing laws under P.L.1967, c.76, which oversees the control and management of multiple dwellings. By introducing the concept of priority status, the bill attempts to enhance housing accessibility for vulnerable groups, potentially altering how property owners manage tenant applications for lower-floor units. It does not interfere with existing affordability or targeting requirements but adds an additional layer of protection for qualifying residents.
Summary
Bill S183 is designed to support senior citizens and individuals with disabilities by providing them with priority status when seeking to move into lower-floor units in multiple dwellings that have three or more floors. The legislation mandates that owners of such dwellings must grant a right of first refusal to qualifying residents over non-qualifying applicants, thereby facilitating easier access to lower-floor accommodations which is often crucial for those with mobility challenges. This adjustment aims to improve living conditions for these populations within the state of New Jersey.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding S183 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates focusing on disability rights and senior citizen support. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward ensuring equitable access to housing for those who might otherwise struggle to find suitable living arrangements. However, there are concerns about potential pushback from property owners who may feel burdened by the requirements to prioritize certain applicants, indicating that while many see the need for this bill, its implementation might spark some contention among stakeholders.
Contention
Notably, the priority system could lead to debates about how effectively it will be implemented and whether it will create an undue burden on landlords. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility of adapting existing rental processes to accommodate the new priority requirements. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the definitions of ‘qualifying residents’ and how the priority status will be perceived in terms of fairness in housing opportunity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Regulates smoking in multiple dwellings; requires Commissioner of Community Affairs to promulgate construction standards for new multiple dwellings permitting smoking.
Regulates smoking in multiple dwellings; requires Commissioner of Community Affairs to promulgate construction standards for new multiple dwellings permitting smoking.