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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 11, 2007 22:27:36 GMT -5
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: 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. --30-- |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jun 12, 2007 9:26:42 GMT -5
This is good news. We want our renters to have these books and access to the rules and rights. It was part of the rental recommendations.
Marc
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adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
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Post by adefonzo on Jun 12, 2007 12:51:38 GMT -5
While I agree with Marc that this is a good idea, there are a couple of things in this release that I have to question...
First, "...at no cost to residents. It would appropriate $200,000 to the DCA for the purposes of printing...", I love it when politicians say it's not going to cost us anything. The $200,000 is not coming out of thin air, folks, it's coming from money they collect from us in taxes, so while I realize it amounts to pennies per tax payer (if that much), there is still a cost to residents.
Along the financial end of this...why do I just get the feeling that $200,000 is not going to be enough to supply these booklets? Per the news release, there are "hundreds of thousands of tenants and landlords throughout the state"...I don't see how $200,000 is going to cut it.
Next, there is no mention of how they are going to "distribute" this booklet. Are they relying on landlords to hand them out? Good luck with that!! Are they going to be available through the same avenues as they are now? How are potential renters going to be made aware of the availability of this booklet?
And finally...I have to ask...will they be printing this booklet up in Spanish, Chinese, Polish, German, Korean, etc etc etc??? As many of us know, a large number of renters are recent immigrants to the country who's mastering of the English language is somewhat lacking. That's going to be an added cost, I am sure.
As I said, I agree with Marc that this is a good idea, it just doesn't seem like one that was thought out all the way through.
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Post by admin on Jun 12, 2007 14:08:42 GMT -5
Andrew,
You bring up a lot of good questions about the state. You are especially right to point out that there is no such as thing as no cost. It is amazing how many times people fall for that junk.
Anyway, I am a very big fan of educating the public. There is a tremendous value in doing so. I say screw the state, what can the Borough do for it's residents? And I mean beyond just the rental codes.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jun 12, 2007 14:09:19 GMT -5
The fact that this will also be web-based is a great way to limit the number of copies to be distributed. By the way, these are already printed in English and Spanish. Other languages? I'm not sure what those plans are. With so many "other" languages out there it is unrealistic to think that there will be a booklet for everyone. Translators may be their best hope.
The one problem I DO have with these things is that many people find them too boring to read - unless, of course, you are looking for the chapters that help you achieve a specific purpose. The FB Rental Committee wants tenants to, at least, sign off on having received the booklets. Therefore, they can not say they never received a copy if an issue arises.
As for the government printing costs... I know what you are saying about having recipients or distributors (maybe landlords, if required to?) paying something for them. You are right...a penny here and a penny there adds up for our State and its taxpayers. However, I must say that I also get the feeling that passing these booklets out to renters, who, - if even a percentage read them - might actually save some money for the system - whether it be in the courts or in code enforcement offices around the state. Actually, if renters know how they are being abused and sign defendable complaints, some towns may actually profit from these booklets in fines. And, hopefully, a few lives an limbs may be saved, too. That's really the "priceless" part.
Andrew, you DO bring up some very good "financial" points, though. Hopefully, the final details will address some of these concerns and you've inspired me to contact Jerry Green (NOT JOE VAS!!! Of the drivers licenses for illegals fame!!!) to bring these thoughts to the table. I'll let you know if/how he responds. Conceptually, though, I do support the measure and it makes our local efforts a bit easier.
Marc
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 12, 2007 16:51:07 GMT -5
Andrew, You bring up a lot of good questions about the state. You are especially right to point out that there is no such as thing as no cost. It is amazing how many times people fall for that junk. How about the "FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER", their services will be at no cost!!! |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jun 12, 2007 17:12:13 GMT -5
Then go after those presenting that particular grant to begin with. If the FSC doesn't get it, another similar group will. The money is going out the door one way or another. At least, if Jane Stone gets it, I know it will be in good hands and, at least FB we'll gain some benefit.
No, the hordes won't arrive here because of this program, unless they start issuing checks to folks. Advice alone won't bring them.
Marc
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adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
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Post by adefonzo on Jun 12, 2007 17:12:14 GMT -5
As for the government printing costs... I know what you are saying about having recipients or distributors (maybe landlords, if required to?) paying something for them. You are right...a penny here and a penny there adds up for our State and its taxpayers. However, I must say that I also get the feeling that passing these booklets out to renters, who, - if even a percentage read them - might actually save some money for the system - whether it be in the courts or in code enforcement offices around the state. Actually, if renters know how they are being abused and sign defendable complaints, some towns may actually profit from these booklets in fines. And, hopefully, a few lives an limbs may be saved, too. That's really the "priceless" part. Marc Marc, Again, I agree wholeheartedly with this concept, and I agree with much of what you said above, with exception to the highlighted passage. I think that in the short term, notifying tenants of their rights (while completely and totally the "right thing to do") will cost more in terms of tying up the courts time and the code enforcers time. Simply put, when people start to realize just how much some of these absentee are landlords cheating them, and knowing now that the law is on the tenants side (obviously will depend on the situation), then tenants are more likely to sue the landlord for not providing the proper requirements for a rental property, which will (in my opinion) tie up the courts with more litigation, and double the workload of the code enforcers who will have their phones ringing off the hook. In the long run, this will be great because it should force landlords to be more attentive to the laws and codes that going along with renting property, and it may as you said bring a little extra cash to the towns in terms of code violations, but in the short term, I think it's going to cost a lot more than anyone is letting on. Again...just my opinions. |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jun 12, 2007 17:15:44 GMT -5
And...equally, just my opinions. We'll both agree to see what happens and try to guide the process for whatever local wins we can get. Our future votes will take care of the bigger system. Anxious to see if Jerry writes back. We're not in his district...
Marc
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Post by admin on Jun 12, 2007 17:34:12 GMT -5
No, the hordes won't arrive here because of this program, unless they start issuing checks to folks. Advice alone won't bring them.
Marc When I first mentioned this concern, I did not mean to be a thorn in the side, nor indicate that the program is all bad. The ladies, who's names elude me, who made this presentation about the FSC, were pretty good. It does appear to be a good program. |
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