The proposed Safe and Sanitary Rental Housing Act aims to improve the quality of rental housing in New Jersey by enforcing stricter regulations on landlords. Key provisions include a requirement for landlords to register for at least 90 days before receiving state funding or tax benefits for property rehabilitation, as well as the need to file a certificate of registration that details ownership and management information. The bill also mandates that courts assess whether landlords receive rental subsidies in cases where tenants claim violations of the warranty of habitability, ensuring that tenant payments can be directed towards remedying defective conditions.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a tiered inspection system for multiple dwellings, allowing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to categorize properties based on compliance and set inspection frequencies and fees. It empowers the commissioner to establish standards for self-inspection by condominium associations and requires timely inspections following tenant complaints. The bill also emphasizes tenant rights by mandating that landlords provide information on how to file complaints and access social services, while imposing penalties for non-compliance. Overall, the act seeks to enhance tenant protections and ensure that landlords maintain safe and sanitary living conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46:8-28, 46:8-28.2, 55:13A-12, 55:13A-13, 55:13A-16, 55:13A-8, 55:13A-20