A newly proposed bill would require all rental units made available to a residential tenant in New Jersey contain a refrigerator and stove, “in order to be deemed habitable and fit for human occupation.”
The bill, which is sponsored by Democratic Senator Nellie Pou, requires that the refrigerator be “in good operating condition” and the stove, which, if electrical, is safely connected to an electrical system of sufficient capacity, or if gas, is connected by permanent fixtures and tubing to avoid leakage of gas.
According to the bill’s text, a landlord who violates the provisions of this bill will be fined a maximum of $500 for each offense.
In addition, a landlord who violates the provisions of this bill may also be subject to a lawsuit, which may be brought in the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part in the county in which the apartment is located.
Short term rentals, defined in the bill as less than 30 days, would not be included in this bill.
$500 is cheaper than a fridge, what are our politicians actually doing here?
Worry about yourself. Hashem’s fine os way more expensive.
New bill would require all rental apartments in NJ to be equipped with a refrigerator and a stove… in order to be deemed habitable and fit for human occupation.
“Great,” said the apartment-dwelling man, “at long last I’ll have an apartment that will be habitable, not just for the mice, for humans like me, too!”
“Who needs a refrigerator and a stove?” said the mouse to his fellow apartment-dwelling mouse. “It’s a complete waste of money! A small hole in the wall, a few slices of cheese, and I’m fine!”
“Shh,” said the other mouse, “I don’t know about you, but I’d like a hot stove to cuddle up to on those long, cold winter nights. Plus, there’ll be plenty of food crumbs laying next to the stove. No need to go scrounging around for cheese anymore.”
“Why are you griping so much?” he added, “when Uncle Sam is clearly looking out for us!”
Every rental should have refrigerator and stove!
As long as it’s not a gas stove.
How about a bill to put caps on rent amounts!