NJ A2134

Tenants displaced by fire from uninhabitable rental dwellings would automatically qualify as "displaced persons" under New Jersey's Relocation Assistance Act, making them eligible for relocation assistance without requiring a municipal resolution.

Fire-displaced tenants would receive a right of first refusal to return to their dwelling unit once repairs are complete and amenities are restored to equal or better condition than before the fire.

Tenants denied their right of first refusal could sue for compensatory damages up to one year's rent or seek injunctive relief in court.

Displaced tenants may apply to the Department of Community Affairs to pay a nominal rent of $1 per month on the damaged unit during repairs to maintain their right of first refusal.

Municipal resolutions would still be required to extend displaced person status to tenants displaced by emergencies other than fire.