New Jersey Senate Bill S3367

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/5/22
• Refer: 12/5/22

Caption

Requires certain approvals as a condition of sale or transfer for certain cooperative buildings.

Impact

The implementation of S3367 would substantially alter the landscape of cooperative ownership in New Jersey. By instituting a majority-vote requirement for sales, the bill seeks to empower current owners in a cooperative setting, potentially curbing abrupt ownership changes that may not align with the interests of the community. This change underscores a commitment to preserving the integrity and character of cooperative living arrangements and could prevent hostile takeovers or unwelcome financial strategies at the expense of current residents.

Summary

Senate Bill S3367, introduced in New Jersey, aims to establish a requirement for owner approval on the sale or transfer of cooperative buildings. Specifically, the bill mandates that any sale or transfer of ownership for residential buildings organized as cooperatives cannot occur unless more than 50% of the owners of residential units in the cooperative give their approval. This legislation specifically targets residential buildings that contain three or more units, establishing a voting mechanism to uphold community control over ownership changes within such structures.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect resident interests in cooperative buildings, it may also face criticism from those concerned about reduced flexibility in property transactions. Opponents might argue that such a requirement can complicate the real estate market by making it more difficult to sell properties and may deter potential buyers who are concerned about navigating community governance processes. Additionally, questions about the accessibility of the voting process and potential for disagreements among residents may arise, potentially leading to friction within cooperatives aiming to reach consensus.