McKnight, Chaparro & Downey Bill to Expand Protections for Senior Renters from Housing Fees Clears Committee

(TRENTON) – Designed to protect more senior citizen renters in New Jersey, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Angela McKnight, Annette Chaparro, Joann Downey was approved by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on Monday.

Under current law, a landlord is prohibited from imposing late charges on certain senior citizen tenants, including those who receive certain pension benefits or governmental assistance, during the five business day period following the due date of a rental payment. The bill would expand these provisions to include certain senior citizen tenants who have been admitted to a health care facility.

“This legislation simply expands existing law to ensure senior renters are not subject to extra fees and fines added to their rent under certain circumstances,” said McKnight (D-Hudson). “Senior citizens should be given every opportunity to avoid fines if they are unable to pay their rent on time due to a health concern and a visit to a hospital.”

The bill (A-1740), sponsored by McKnight, Chaparro and Downey, prohibits a landlord of a senior citizen housing project from assessing late charges against a senior citizen tenant who was unable to make a timely rental payment due to being admitted to a health care facility. The bill would allow for a grace period of five days after being discharged from the facility.

“The health of our residents should always be a priority,” said Chaparro (D-Hudson). “This bill will protect our senior citizens who are unable to pay rent when they are away from their home as they are focusing on their health – which is something they should not, under any circumstance, be penalized for.”

“Life happens, and it can sometimes be impossible to predict a hospital visit,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “If that is the case, it is of no fault of the tenant who is not physically able to deliver or mail their rent. It is only right that we put our senior citizens’ health first, and allow them the recovery time they need without the worry of how much extra money they will have to put towards rent when they get home.”

The measure will now go to the Assembly Speaker for further review.