Bill > S3171

This bill establishes a clearer distinction between a hotel or motel guest and a residential tenant for the purpose of determining how an occupant can be removed from the property. Previously, the law used the term "guest," but this bill replaces it with "occupant" and outlines specific factors that, if generally met, would classify an occupant as a tenant, thus requiring the property owner to follow the stricter eviction process outlined in the Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.). These factors include the occupant's stay lasting three consecutive months or longer in the same unit, demonstrating intent to stay long-term by actions like changing their official address to the hotel, registering to vote there, or sending children to local schools, and the hotel being their only residence. The bill also specifies that the hotel operator must have been notified of the occupant's intent to stay long-term, and that the living space should include a stove, oven, and refrigerator, and the occupant should be doing their own housekeeping. Importantly, the bill introduces exceptions, stating that an occupant receiving emergency assistance benefits will be considered a tenant, but will lose tenant protections if those benefits are denied or exhausted, and that an occupant will not be considered a tenant if they willfully fail to provide necessary registration information to the owner.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3171