summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 expands protections for tenants displaced by fire by amending the Relocation Assistance Act, which provides aid to individuals forced to move due to government projects. Previously, a municipality could pass a resolution to consider tenants displaced by fire or other emergencies as "displaced persons" eligible for relocation assistance, similar to those displaced by code enforcement. Now, even without a municipal resolution, tenants displaced by fire will automatically be considered displaced persons under the Act if a housing inspector deems their dwelling uninhabitable due to fire damage. Furthermore, tenants displaced by fire are granted a right of first refusal to return to their dwelling once repairs are completed and the unit is restored to its previous condition or better. To help maintain this right while the dwelling is uninhabitable, tenants can apply to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish a nominal rent, such as one dollar per month, which they must pay to the landlord. The bill also creates a legal avenue for tenants who are unlawfully denied their right of first refusal, allowing them to sue for damages or other court-ordered relief. The existing provision allowing municipalities to designate tenants displaced by emergencies other than fire as displaced persons remains in place.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A2134 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2134_I1.HTM |
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