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Bill

Bill

S 388

Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disabled residents moving to lower floors.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 6 co-sponsors

New Jersey law would require apartment buildings with 3+ floors to prioritize senior and disabled tenant transfers to lower-floor units for accessibility.

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 388

Legislative bill overview

S 388 requires owners of multi-story apartment buildings (3+ floors) in New Jersey to give priority to senior citizens and disabled residents when they request to move to lower floors. The bill essentially establishes a preferential transfer process that would facilitate access to ground-level or lower-level units for these protected populations, potentially reducing physical mobility challenges.

Why is this important

For seniors and disabled individuals, living in upper floors creates genuine safety and accessibility barriers—climbing stairs increases fall risk, limits emergency evacuation options, and can prevent independent living. This bill acknowledges that housing stock accessibility directly affects quality of life and aging-in-place capability. However, it also imposes operational and fairness considerations on property owners managing unit assignments and leasing timelines.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner burden: Requiring priority transfers may limit owners' flexibility in unit assignments, lease timing, and maintenance scheduling, potentially increasing operational costs
  • Definition scope: The bill's applicability to "certain" buildings leaves unclear which properties qualify—large complexes, small buildings, rent-controlled units, market-rate only, or all types
  • Fairness to non-priority tenants: Prioritizing transfers for one group may delay or deny housing moves for other residents, raising questions about equitable treatment and lease terms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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