N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13B-1 et seq. § 55:13B-2
Legislative findings and declarations
Operative Text
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that: Whereas , Numerous citizens of this State reside in rooming and boarding houses which are either infrequently supervised or completely unsupervised, unlicensed and unregulated by the State and by other governmental bodies; and Whereas , The residents of such facilities are predominantly elderly, disabled and poor, many of whom need social, personal and financial services, protection from building hazards and protection from unscrupulous and predatory neighbors; and Whereas , There is a need to ascertain the costs and resources of facilities currently licensed by the State and known as boarding homes for sheltered care, so as to determine whether and under what conditions the number of such homes should be increased and their standards of care raised; and Whereas , It is incumbent upon the government of this State to determine whether the residents of rooming houses, boarding houses, and currently licensed boarding facilities are in need of special services, care or treatment and might profit from referral to existing or available community agencies or alternative living arrangements; and Whereas , Several State agencies have different yet appropriate responsibilities for protecting the health, safety and welfare of the residents of rooming houses, boarding houses and residential health care facilities and it is necessary that there be coordination among these agencies for the cost-effective fulfillment of their respective responsibilities. This remedial legislation is therefore necessary to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all those who reside in rooming and boarding houses in this State, promote the growth and continued improvement of boarding homes for sheltered care, to be known henceforth as residential health care facilities, to ensure that all agencies of this State work in unison for the protection and care of the residents of rooming houses, boarding houses and residential health care facilities, and to ensure that needed social and remedial services are made available to the residents of such facilities through the efforts of county welfare boards. L.1979, c. 496, s. 2.
N.J.S.A. 55:13B-2 sets out the Legislature's rationale for enacting New Jersey's Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979. It identifies that many residents of rooming and boarding houses — often elderly, disabled, or low-income individuals — lacked adequate oversight and protection at the time the law was passed. The provision establishes that the purpose of the broader statute is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of these residents, improve standards in residential health care facilities, and coordinate the responsibilities of multiple state agencies on their behalf.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rooming houses, boarding houses, and residential health care facilities in New Jersey should understand that N.J.S.A. 55:13B-2 reflects the Legislature's intent to actively protect a vulnerable resident population. This foundational declaration signals that the entire statutory scheme is remedial in nature, meaning courts and regulators tend to interpret its requirements broadly in favor of resident protection. Compliant operators generally maintain proper licensure, cooperate with inspections from relevant state agencies, and ensure that residents have access to appropriate social and community services as contemplated by the Act.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 55:13B-2 affirms that the New Jersey Legislature specifically recognized the vulnerability of rooming and boarding house residents — including elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals — and enacted this law to protect their health, safety, and welfare. As a remedial statute, it is generally interpreted to favor the rights of residents, and multiple state agencies share responsibility for enforcement and coordination under it. Tenants who believe their facility is unlicensed, unsafe, or failing to provide required services may consider contacting relevant New Jersey state agencies, county welfare boards, or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available protections and referral resources.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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