10 signatures reached
To: Honorable Governor Murphy, Senators, Assemblymembers, and City Council Members of New Jersey
Demand a Landlord Watchlist and Property Acquisition Restrictions in New Jersey
We, the undersigned residents, taxpayers, and future stakeholders of New Jersey, demand immediate action to address the pervasive issue of negligent and exploitative landlords within our state. We call for the implementation of a comprehensive Landlord Watchlist, mirroring the successful model established in New York City.
The Problem:
Landlords in New Jersey often operate with impunity, neglecting their responsibilities and subjecting tenants to unsafe and deplorable living conditions. These landlords, as described by New York's Public Advocate, are "at best dangerously negligent, and at worst, actively choosing to profit off the pain of New Yorkers living in unsafe, deplorable conditions." Current legal channels fail to adequately hold these individuals accountable, leaving vulnerable residents at risk.
Our Demands:
The Problem:
Landlords in New Jersey often operate with impunity, neglecting their responsibilities and subjecting tenants to unsafe and deplorable living conditions. These landlords, as described by New York's Public Advocate, are "at best dangerously negligent, and at worst, actively choosing to profit off the pain of New Yorkers living in unsafe, deplorable conditions." Current legal channels fail to adequately hold these individuals accountable, leaving vulnerable residents at risk.
Our Demands:
- Establish a Landlord Watchlist: We demand the creation of a publicly accessible Landlord Watchlist, similar to New York City's, that identifies and names landlords with a significant number of housing violations. This list will empower tenants to make informed decisions and hold negligent landlords accountable.
- Implement Property Acquisition Restrictions: We demand the enactment of a state law that restricts landlords with a pattern of serious housing violations from purchasing additional properties in New Jersey. Specifically, we propose a five-year ban on property acquisition for landlords who consistently demonstrate a disregard for tenant safety and housing standards
- Strengthen Enforcement: We demand that the state allocate resources to strengthen the enforcement of existing housing codes and regulations.
- Protect Tenant Rights: We demand legislation that reinforces and expands tenant rights, providing stronger legal protections against illegal evictions, unsafe living conditions, and retaliatory practices.
Why is this important?
Why This Matters:
- This initiative will protect vulnerable tenants from exploitation and unsafe living conditions.
- It will deter landlords from neglecting their responsibilities and ensure they prioritize tenant safety.
- It will improve the overall quality of housing in New Jersey.
- It will reduce homelessness and illegal evictions.
- It will promote fairness and accountability within the housing market.
We, the undersigned, urge our elected officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of New Jersey residents by implementing these crucial measures. We demand immediate action to hold negligent landlords accountable and ensure safe and equitable housing for all.
Sign this petition to demand change!