This bill criminalizes squatting in vacant homes by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering without permission to live there), "unlawful occupancy" (living in a vacant home without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning after being evicted via court order). It presumes people know they lack permission unless they have a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details. The law directly affects individuals occupying vacant properties without legal authorization, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill aims to replace current eviction processes with criminal penalties for unauthorized occupancy.
This bill (A2585) requires developers to provide written notice of upcoming development hearings to residential tenants living on the property at least 10 days before the hearing. It directly affects tenants in residential buildings where development applications are filed, ensuring they receive notice about proposed changes impacting their living environment. The notice must be delivered via mail or personal service to the tenant's address on file, as specified in the amended notice requirements under New Jersey law. This policy change aims to improve tenant participation in local development decisions affecting their homes.
This bill requires developers of new affordable housing projects (10+ units or 4+ stories) to meet LEED Silver or equivalent green building standards. It also mandates that these developers submit four impact studies to local municipalities before construction: traffic, school, storm water, and carbon (if clearing over one acre of land). The requirements apply to "inclusionary developments" as defined under existing law and do not affect projects with applications submitted before the bill's effective date. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt implementing rules within eight months of enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to create and update a five-year housing advisory plan. It directly affects all state residents, with specific focus on homeless and near-homeless individuals and vulnerable populations. The plan must assess housing market trends, identify needs across income groups, inventory affordable housing supply, track progress toward meeting needs, and pinpoint regulatory barriers to affordable housing development. The department must submit the initial plan to the Governor and the Joint Committee on Housing Affordability within 18 months of enactment, with updated versions every five years thereafter.
This bill prohibits electric utilities from raising residential rates during summer (June 1-August 31) and gas utilities from raising rates during winter (January 1-March 31). It also requires utilities to send residential customers at least 30 days' advance notice via mail or email before any rate increase takes effect. The law directly affects New Jersey households that rely on electric or gas utilities for home energy. Key provisions include seasonal rate increase bans and mandatory notice requirements, aiming to protect consumers from unexpected cost spikes during peak usage periods. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.
This bill (A 3825) amends New Jersey's affordable housing law to require the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to count certain existing affordable housing units as *two units* toward a municipality's fair share obligation. It directly affects municipalities that have built or rehabilitated qualifying low- and moderate-income housing units between April 1, 1980, and December 15, 1986. The key provision allows these units to be credited at a 2:1 ratio (instead of 1:1) when calculating whether a municipality meets its state-mandated affordable housing requirement. This change aims to reduce the housing obligation for municipalities that already developed qualifying affordable units during that specific timeframe.
This New Jersey bill (A3997) prohibits landlords from including class action waivers in rental agreements for claims related to rent control law violations. If passed, such waivers would be void, making it illegal for landlords to prevent tenants from joining class-action lawsuits over rent control issues. Landlords violating this would face a $1,000 penalty per affected unit and could be liable for tenant damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. The law would apply immediately to all current and future rental agreements, including past rent control violations.
This bill permits New Jersey municipalities to prioritize first responders - such as police officers and firefighters - for affordable housing units that are part of their required fair share of low- and moderate-income housing. Municipalities that choose to adopt this preference can set aside specific units for first responders when allocating affordable housing, without changing their overall housing obligations. The change adds this option as a new technique within existing state law governing affordable housing requirements. It does not mandate any municipality to implement this policy, only allows them to do so if they choose.
This bill allows homeowners to directly sue mortgage lenders in New Jersey Superior Court if lenders violate the "Fair Foreclosure Act" (P.L.1995, c.244). It provides remedies including actual damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), attorney fees, court costs, and court orders to stop violations. The law amends existing foreclosure rules to give individuals a legal path to enforce protections against unfair lender practices. Homeowners facing improper foreclosure actions would be the primary group affected by this new enforcement mechanism.
This bill (A 1669) requires landlords in New Jersey to attach a copy of a municipal inspection or occupancy certificate to residential leases and deliver it to tenants at lease signing, with tenants acknowledging receipt by initialing the certificate. Landlords must provide this certificate within 30 days if omitted, or tenants may void the lease and vacate without further payment. If a tenant exercises this right, landlords must return security deposits plus interest within 30 days. The bill directly affects landlords of units subject to municipal inspection requirements and ensures tenants know rental units have passed safety inspections before moving in.
