summary
Introduced
07/24/2025
07/24/2025
In Committee
07/24/2025
07/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends the Relocation Assistance Act, P.L.1971, c.362 (C.20:4-1 et seq.), to authorize and provide protections for tenants displaced by fire. Under current law, a municipality is authorized to provide by resolution that if a tenant residing in a structure of two dwelling units or more is displaced from their dwelling by fire or other emergency, the tenant shall be deemed a displaced person under the "Relocation Assistance Act" and is to be eligible for relocation assistance as afforded persons displaced as a result of code enforcement activities. The bill establishes that, where not required by municipal resolution, a tenant displaced by fire is to be deemed a displaced person under the Relocation Assistance Act. This bill provides that a tenant displaced by fire is also entitled to the right of first refusal to return to the dwelling as a tenant when repairs are complete and allows a tenant to apply to the Department of Community Affairs to establish a reduced rent on the damaged dwelling for the period that the dwelling unit is uninhabitable in order to establish and maintain their right of first refusal. The bill also establishes a cause of action for a tenant denied a right of first refusal, as described in the bill. The bill maintains an existing provision of law that authorizes a municipality to pass a resolution deeming a tenant displaced due to an emergency other than fire as a displaced person under the Relocation Assistance Act, but adds to the definition of "displaced person" a person who moves from real property "as a result of fire, damage from which, in the judgement of the housing inspector or other official charged with equivalent responsibility, renders their rented dwelling uninhabitable."
AI Summary
This bill amends the Relocation Assistance Act to provide expanded protections for tenants displaced by fire. Under the new provisions, tenants displaced by fire will be automatically considered "displaced persons" and eligible for relocation assistance, even in cases where a municipal resolution has not been passed. The bill establishes a right of first refusal for tenants to return to their dwelling once repairs are complete, ensuring they can reclaim their original living space after fire damage. Additionally, tenants can apply to the Department of Community Affairs to establish a reduced rent (as low as one dollar per month) for their damaged unit during the period it is uninhabitable, which helps them maintain their tenancy rights. The legislation also creates a legal cause of action for tenants who are unlawfully denied their right of first refusal, allowing them to seek compensatory damages or injunctive relief. While the bill maintains existing provisions for municipalities to pass resolutions about displacement due to other emergencies, it specifically expands protections for fire-related displacement by broadening the definition of a "displaced person" to include those whose rental units are deemed uninhabitable by a housing inspector due to fire damage.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 07/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5924 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5924_I1.HTM |
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