Bill
Bill > A3157
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
Current law does not address the issue of property left by a deceased tenant who has no executor, administrator, or representative. This bill establishes that there is good cause for the removal of a tenant where the tenant has died and no executor, administrator, or representative has come forward to make decisions on behalf of the estate. The bill also establishes grounds for a landlord to remove property from a unit after the death of a tenant under certain circumstances. The bill provides that property will be considered abandoned after the death of a tenant if no executor, administrator, or representative contacts the landlord within 21 days of the tenant's death. The removal of property would be authorized if the landlord has not been contacted by an executor, administrator, or representative of the estate within 21 days of the death of the tenant. If an executor, administrator, or representative of the estate contacts the landlord and the situation is not resolved, the landlord would need to obtain a warrant of removal from a court and notify the executor, administrator, or representative, by certified mail, that the property will be removed pursuant to the warrant of removal. The bill requires written notice to be sent by certified mail to any cosigner for the apartment, or any previously known occupant listed by the deceased tenant, in addition to any executor, administrator, or representative of the estate.
AI Summary
This bill allows landlords to take action regarding a rental unit and any property left behind when a tenant dies, particularly when there is no one to represent the deceased tenant's estate. Specifically, it establishes that a landlord has good cause to remove a tenant if the tenant has died and no executor, administrator, or representative has come forward to manage the estate's affairs. The bill also clarifies that a tenant's property will be considered abandoned if no such representative contacts the landlord within 21 days of the tenant's death. If a landlord needs to remove property and has not been contacted by an estate representative within that 21-day period, they can proceed with removal. However, if an estate representative does contact the landlord but the situation isn't resolved, the landlord must obtain a court order (a warrant of removal) and notify the representative by certified mail before removing the property. The bill also mandates that landlords send written notice by certified mail to any cosigners of the lease or previously listed occupants, in addition to any estate representative.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
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/A3157 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3157_I1.HTM |
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