GREEN/VAS MEASURE ENHANCING AWARENESS OF TENANTS' RIGHTS CLEARS ASSEMBLY

(TRENTON) - The General Assembly today passed legislation Assemblymen Jerry Green and Joseph Vas sponsored to ensure residents entering into lease agreements with landlords are aware of their respective rights.

"There are no winners in rental disputes," said Green (D-Union).  "When an argument over rental properties escalates, it often results in a tenant moving out early and a landlord losing back rent.  This measure would ensure both renters and landlords are aware of their responsibilities and rights prior to the signing of a lease."

The measure (A-473) would require the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to distribute the "Truth in Renting" booklet, a statement of rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants in New Jersey, at no cost to residents. It would appropriate $200,000 to the DCA for the purposes of printing and distributing these booklets.  The measure also would require the DCA to post a printable version of the booklet on its Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/dca.

Currently, the "Truth in Renting" booklet is updated annually and distributed by DCA at a cost of $2 per booklet.  They may be purchased through Landlord-Tenant Information Services, P.O. Box 805, Trenton, NJ 08625-0805.

"Free access to the 'Truth in Renting' booklet will ensure a safer and more financially-secure renting experience for New Jersey tenants and landlords alike," said Vas (D-Middlesex).  "That will be welcome news for the hundreds of thousands of tenants and landlords throughout the state."

The measure passed 67-12-1.  It now heads to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it, or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.

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