New Jersey Senate Bill S213

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Restricts manner in which self-service storage facility owner is permitted to deny occupant access to personal property.

Impact

If enacted, S213 would result in significant changes to property management regulations in New Jersey. Owners would be obligated to restore access to the personal property as soon as feasible following a denial, ensuring that no personal property is disposed of or destroyed during the time occupants are unable to access it. Furthermore, the bill mandates that occupants must be notified in writing within seven days if their property has been rendered permanently inaccessible due to extraordinary circumstances. This provision enhances transparency in operations and could lead to improved trust between storage facility operators and customers.

Summary

Senate Bill S213 seeks to restrict the ways in which owners of self-service storage facilities can deny occupants access to their personal property. The bill lays out specific conditions where access can be denied, which include satisfying a lien on the property or circumstances dictated by law enforcement or other governmental authority. The primary aim of the bill is to safeguard occupant rights and ensure that they are not unjustly denied access to their stored items, promoting fair treatment in property management.

Contention

The legislation has the potential to spark a debate between storage facility owners and consumers regarding the balance of rights in the landlord-tenant dynamic. While proponents of the bill argue that it provides necessary protections for property owners against unexpected governmental orders, opponents may raise concerns regarding the financial burden that compliance with these requirements may impose on storage facility operators. Observers are likely to discuss whether the bill adequately addresses all potential scenarios that could lead to access denial, especially in emergencies, and how it aligns with existing property laws.