Assemblyman backs free distribution of tenants' rights booklet
According to 2000 census figures, half of Plainfield’s residents are renters, in contrast to less than one-third of residents statewide or nationwide. That’s why a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Jerry Green might be of special interest in his Queen City hometown.
The proposed legislation would provide funding to permit free distribution of “Truth in Renting,“ a booklet issued by the state Department of Community Affairs to enlighten both tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities. Presently, the booklet costs $2 and may be ordered through DCA’s Landlord-Tenant Information Service.
Landlords are supposed to provide the booklet to each tenant, but several renters told Plaintalker they had never received one. The booklet gives basic information on security deposits, leases, rent increases, repairs, heat rules and causes for eviction. A renter who does not receive the booklet from a landlord may find it useful to obtain a copy to prevent abusive tactics by landlords.
Assembly Bill 473, co-sponsored by Assemblymen Green (Dist. 22) and Joseph Vas (Dist. 19) would require appropriation of $100,000 to provide free copies of the booklet. The companion Senate Bill 441, sponsored by Sen. Ronald L. Rice (Dist. 28) would appropriate $250,000 for the same purpose.
Green did not return a call for comment.
Renters have another option to learn their rights in a larger publication offered by Legal Services of New Jersey. "Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey" costs $12 per copy but is also available online with links to each subject.
Tenants' Rights in New Jersey: A Legal Handbook for New Jersey Tenants
A large influx of Spanish-speaking renters has given unscrupulous landlords an edge in skirting the state tenant law. In one building on East Seventh Street, Latino tenants complained they had not been told where their security deposits were banked. They also feared challenging the landlord for spotty heating and did not understand how to assert their rights regarding repairs.
Among rules for tenants, the rent must be paid. Holding it back for whatever reason puts the tenant at risk of eviction.
State law requires a landlord of a multi-family dwelling to file a registration statement with the state and the city in which the building is located, including emergency contact numbers.
Security deposits are the property of the tenant and the location of the deposit must be disclosed to the tenant.
Terms of leases may only be changed on the anniversary of the lease, not just when a building is sold. Other laws regulate the return of security deposits and require periodic state inspection of multi-family buildings.
The proposed legislation would provide funding to permit free distribution of “Truth in Renting,“ a booklet issued by the state Department of Community Affairs to enlighten both tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities. Presently, the booklet costs $2 and may be ordered through DCA’s Landlord-Tenant Information Service.
Landlords are supposed to provide the booklet to each tenant, but several renters told Plaintalker they had never received one. The booklet gives basic information on security deposits, leases, rent increases, repairs, heat rules and causes for eviction. A renter who does not receive the booklet from a landlord may find it useful to obtain a copy to prevent abusive tactics by landlords.
Assembly Bill 473, co-sponsored by Assemblymen Green (Dist. 22) and Joseph Vas (Dist. 19) would require appropriation of $100,000 to provide free copies of the booklet. The companion Senate Bill 441, sponsored by Sen. Ronald L. Rice (Dist. 28) would appropriate $250,000 for the same purpose.
Green did not return a call for comment.
Renters have another option to learn their rights in a larger publication offered by Legal Services of New Jersey. "Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey" costs $12 per copy but is also available online with links to each subject.Tenants' Rights in New Jersey: A Legal Handbook for New Jersey Tenants
A large influx of Spanish-speaking renters has given unscrupulous landlords an edge in skirting the state tenant law. In one building on East Seventh Street, Latino tenants complained they had not been told where their security deposits were banked. They also feared challenging the landlord for spotty heating and did not understand how to assert their rights regarding repairs.
Among rules for tenants, the rent must be paid. Holding it back for whatever reason puts the tenant at risk of eviction.
State law requires a landlord of a multi-family dwelling to file a registration statement with the state and the city in which the building is located, including emergency contact numbers.
Security deposits are the property of the tenant and the location of the deposit must be disclosed to the tenant.
Terms of leases may only be changed on the anniversary of the lease, not just when a building is sold. Other laws regulate the return of security deposits and require periodic state inspection of multi-family buildings.
--Bernice Paglia
KEYWORDS: Tenant info
posted by Bernice at 9:05 PM
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