Ruiz Bill to Promote Resources Available to Tenants Clears Senate

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz, which would require certain emergency contact and social services hotline information be provided to tenants of multiple dwellings, cleared the Senate today.

“As the tenant population in the state continues to grow, it is important we take steps to ensure they know who to contact when certain situations arise, whether it is a conflict with their landlord or a medical emergency,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “Promoting the social services hotline will allow more renters to understand the program and take advantage of the resources it offers.”

The bill, S-1211, would require emergency contact information and instructions on how to access the social services hotline be made available to every tenant and prospective tenant of multiple dwellings, such as apartment buildings. The information would be posted in a visible area, in both English and Spanish.

The social services hotline provides information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations, including information concerning housing resources available to tenants.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 34-0.