ASSEMBLY HOUSING COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 165

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: FEBRUARY 22, 1996

 

      The Assembly Housing Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 165.

      This bill augments the grounds for the eviction of a residential tenant. Currently, a tenant may be removed for the damage or destruction of the landlord's property, but theft of the landlord's property without actual damage to the premises is not a ground for removal. The bill authorizes the eviction of a tenant when convicted of or found liable in a civil action of theft of property from a landlord, the leased premises or other tenants residing in the same building or complex. The bill is intended to further protect the safety and welfare of the landlord and other tenants.

      The bill provides that theft of property from a landlord, in order to be considered grounds for eviction, must have occurred on the rental premises. In order for grounds to exist for eviction when a tenant is convicted of or found liable in a civil action for theft of property located on the leased premises from a landlord, the leased premises or other tenants residing in the same building or complex, the bill requires that it be proven that the tenant intended to steal the property. This is based on the premise that a tenant should not be subject to eviction solely on the basis of a mistaken belief that he was entitled to use certain property located on the rental premises.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996-1997 legislative session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.