About the New Jersey Truth in Renting Act
New Jersey’s Truth in Renting Act was signed into law in 1976. The act establishes the rights of renters and the responsibilities and rights of landlords. The act requires the Department of Community Affairs to prepare, update and annually distribute these rights and responsibilities as the Truth in Renting Statement. It sets out guidelines for leases, security deposits, discrimination, safety, health and any other issues related to rental units.
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Distribution
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The act requires the distribution of the information published by DCA to every resident who has a lease for at least a one-month term in the state of New Jersey. The landlord is required to provide new tenants with the pamphlet when they sign the lease, and provide updated pamphlets in an area available to residents. The landlord is required to keep records of this distribution and may be fined for up to $1,000 for each offense if he fails to do so.
Lease
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The act states that no lease entered into shall violate state law. This requires that leases be for a reasonable duration and that once the parties enter into the lease, they cannot change the terms. Fees should be clearly stated as well as provisions for late payment fees. If a lease includes a provision that violates state or local law, or if a tenant feels that a provision is unreasonable, the tenant may file a complaint in the Superior Court to have the provision removed from the lease. The tenant may also seek clarification of the provision from the Court.
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Flood Zone
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The landlord is required under the act to notify tenants if their units are in a flood zone or area. For only this section, the notification is required for all leases for residential dwelling units and commercial space, hotels, motels or other guest houses serving transient or seasonal guests.
DCA Statement
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The statement provided by DCA is a roughly 50-page booklet that includes all of the relevant state and federal laws and regulations relating to rental housing. The booklet covers issues related to the lease, rent, habitability requirements, rights of senior and disabled tenants and eviction. The statement also includes contact information for legal assistance and filing complaints.
Advocacy
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New Jersey has a wealth of both public and private organizations that offer information for landlords and tenants. All of the contact information for these organizations is available through the DCA's Truth in Renting Statement. Additionally, New Jersey has several judiciary ombudsmen who assist individuals who do not have attorneys by explaining court procedures, programs and services if a landlord or tenant finds himself in a situation where he needs assistance.
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References
- Photo Credit apartment for rent image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
