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Bill > S1317


NJ S1317

NJ S1317
Requires landlord to provide various kitchen appliances in certain dwelling units offered for rent.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires that every dwelling unit made available to a residential tenant contain, in order to be deemed habitable and fit for human occupation, a refrigerator in good operating condition, and a stove, which, if electrical, is safely connected to an electrical system of sufficient capacity, or if gas, is connected by permanent fixtures and tubing to avoid leakage of gas. This bill provides that a landlord who violates the provisions of this bill shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $500 for each offense, to be collected and enforced upon the complaint of the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Attorney General, or any aggrieved tenant. Further, a landlord who violates the provisions of this bill may also be subject to a separate cause of action, which may be brought by the aggrieved tenant in the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part in the county in which the dwelling unit is located, who may recover for the actual damage sustained by reason of the violation, including costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that landlords must provide a functioning refrigerator and a safely installed stove in any dwelling unit offered for rent to be considered habitable for human occupation. A "dwelling unit" is defined as a residential living space, excluding temporary accommodations like hotels or seasonal rentals. A "landlord" is an owner or controller of rental property, and a "tenant" is someone who leases a property for at least a month. Violations by landlords can result in a penalty of up to $500 per offense, enforceable by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Attorney General, or an aggrieved tenant. Additionally, tenants can sue landlords in the Superior Court for actual damages, including legal costs and attorney fees, if the landlord fails to provide these appliances. The bill also requires the Commissioner to establish regulations for its implementation and will take effect on the first day of the second month after enactment, applying to new lease agreements signed thereafter.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

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

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