NJ A4212

Expands Department of Community Affairs (DCA) authority over common interest communities with over 100 units, including power to hear complaints, issue subpoenas, impose sanctions, and remove governing board members or officers who violate orders

Establishes a 9-member Advisory Council on Common Interest Communities appointed by the Governor to review regulations, receive public input, and recommend improvements to DCA programs affecting these communities

Creates the Office of the Ombudsman for Common Interest Communities within DCA to mediate disputes, assist homeowners in understanding their rights, coordinate volunteer mediators, and help governing boards with training and compliance

Requires all homeowners associations to register annually with DCA and pay a registration fee of up to $3 per voting unit, with fees deposited into a new Common Interest Community Homeowners' Association Trust Fund

Mandates DCA publish a booklet explaining homeownership rights and responsibilities in common interest communities, to be distributed free to unit owners and provided to prospective purchasers