Ruiz Bill to Require 24-Hour Maintenance Services Clears Committee

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz, which would require owners of certain multiple dwellings to provide maintenance services 24 hours a day, cleared the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today.

“Far too many landlords are unresponsive and skate by doing the bare minimum for their tenants,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “This legislation will improve the safety of our apartment complexes by ensuring there is a maintenance person available 24/7 in case of an emergency. No family should have to wonder who to call when a pipe bursts or their heat goes out in the middle of the night.”

The bill, S-683, would require owners of multiple dwellings with at least nine units to provide maintenance services 24 hours a day. The bill would also require the owners to post a sign containing the contact information of the person designated to provide maintenance services.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 4-0, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.