Bill > S1028

Introduced Session

Many New Jersey residents struggle to satisfy the costs of renting a home. These costs are often particularly challenging for senior citizens, many of whom live on a fixed-income. New Jersey law presently requires a landlord to provide written notice to the tenant whenever the landlord intends to increase rent. State law also prohibits "unconscionable" rent increases, a concept defined in case law as one that would "shock the conscience" of a reasonable person. Along with the existing rent increase notice requirement, this bill would require the landlords of certain senior housing to also provide an explanation for the increase. More specifically, the bill would require that if the tenant is a resident of a senior citizen housing project, then the notice of increased rent would be required to be in writing, and would include an explanation of why the rent is increasing. This explanation would: (1) describe why the rent increase is not unconscionable; (2) confirm that the increase complies with municipal ordinances, and other applicable laws; and (3) list any expenses associated with the tenant's unit and common areas of the property that have contributed to the need for the rent increase. Additionally, this bill adjusts the underlying statutory language concerning notice requirements prior to rent increases to clarify that those notices have to be in writing. As used in the bill, a "senior citizen housing project" refers to a building with three or more dwelling units, intended for, and solely occupied by, senior citizens. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month next following enactment, and would apply to rent increases that take effect on or after that date.

Committee Categories

Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document