This bill amends the "Senior Citizens and Disabled Protected Tenancy Act," P.L.1981, c.226, to extend the protected tenancy period for senior citizens and disabled tenants from a statutory limit of 40 years after the conversion recording of their building to the full lifetime of the tenant. The legislation recognizes the adverse effects of forced evictions on the mental and physical health of elderly and disabled individuals, particularly in light of rising housing costs and the economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aims to ensure that these vulnerable tenants can maintain stability in their living conditions without facing eviction due to property conversions.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to senior citizen and disabled tenants, including age and disability criteria, and emphasizes the importance of protecting these tenants from changes in tenancy terms or rent increases resulting from property conversions. The changes reflect a growing understanding of the need for long-term housing security for senior citizens and disabled individuals, acknowledging that increased life expectancies necessitate a reevaluation of housing protections. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to all tenancies in effect or entered into on or after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:18-61.23, 2A:18-61.24