New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S648

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  
Report Pass
5/9/22  
Engrossed
11/21/22  

Caption

Revises definition of "landlord" to include rooming and boarding house owners and operators with regard to ordinances holding landlords to certain standards of responsibility.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance local governance and tenant protection by facilitating municipalities in adopting ordinances that regulate the conduct of rooming and boarding house operators. As more people seek affordable housing solutions, rooming houses can play a significant role in local housing markets. By holding rooming house owners to the same standards as other residential landlords, municipalities can better protect community welfare, ensure tenant safety, and address potential nuisances or irresponsible renting practices that might otherwise compromise the quality of living in neighborhoods.

Summary

Senate Bill S648 proposes a revision to the definition of 'landlord' under New Jersey law. The bill seeks to include owners and operators of rooming and boarding houses in the scope of the law, particularly with respect to local ordinances that enforce standards of responsible conduct for landlords. Previously, the definition primarily covered smaller residential properties and mobile home units, leaving rooming and boarding houses inadequately addressed. With this amendment, municipalities would have the authority to impose similar responsibilities on rooming and boarding house operators that currently apply to non-professionally managed rental properties consisting of less than four units.

Contention

While the bill has received broad support, its introduction may also bring forth debates regarding the regulatory burden on small landlords and the implications of increased oversight on the availability of affordable housing. Some stakeholders may argue that imposing these responsibilities could deter potential operators of rooming houses and exacerbate housing shortages if not coupled with supportive measures for landlords. However, proponents emphasize the need for accountability and responsible management in rental practices, particularly in light of rising housing demand and the importance of stable community environments.

Companion Bills

NJ A4450

Same As Revises definition of "landlord" to include rooming and boarding house owners and operators with regard to ordinances holding landlords to certain standards of responsibility.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4450

Revises definition of "landlord" to include rooming and boarding house owners and operators with regard to ordinances holding landlords to certain standards of responsibility.

NJ S1857

Revises definition of "landlord" to include rooming and boarding house owners and operators with regard to ordinances holding landlords to certain standards of responsibility.

NJ A4155

Revises definition of "landlord" to include rooming and boarding house owners and operators with regard to ordinances holding landlords to certain standards of responsibility.

NJ HB05234

An Act Concerning The Rights And Responsibilities Of Landlords And Tenants.

NJ HB5564

Housing: landlord and tenants; ordinances that place certain limitations on landlords; prohibit. Amends sec. 1 of 1988 PA 226 (MCL 123.411) & adds sec. 1a.

NJ HB05335

An Act Concerning The Rights And Responsibilities Of Landlords And Tenants Regarding The Treatment Of Bed Bug Infestations.

NJ HB06759

An Act Concerning The Rights And Responsibilities Of Landlords And Tenants Regarding The Treatment Of Bed Bug Infestations.

NJ HB05438

An Act Concerning The Rights And Responsibilities Of Landlords And Tenants Regarding The Treatment Of Bed Bug Infestations.

NJ A3981

Subjects certain rooming and boarding houses to municipal land use regulations; requires owners and operators of cooperative sober living residences to submit certain approvals with license applications.

NJ S2527

Subjects certain rooming and boarding houses to municipal land use regulations; requires owners and operators of cooperative sober living residences to submit certain approvals with license applications.

Similar Bills

CA AB2219

Landlord-tenant: 3rd-party payments.

CA AB878

Victims of abuse or violence: reasonable accommodations.

CA AB2493

Tenancy: application screening fee.

CA AB414

Residential tenancies: return of security.

CA AB12

Tenancy: security deposits.

CA AB2801

Tenancy: security deposits.

CA AB2785

Tenancy: applications and security deposits.