N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.7
Definitions
Operative Text
4. As used in this act: a. "Comparable housing or park site" means housing that is (1) decent, safe, sanitary, and in compliance with all local and State housing codes; (2) open to all persons regardless of race, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or sex; and (3) provided with facilities equivalent to that provided by the landlord in the dwelling unit or park site in which the tenant then resides in regard to each of the following: (a) apartment size including number of rooms or park site size, (b) rent range, (c) apartment's major kitchen and bathroom facilities, and (d) special facilities necessary for a person with a disability, or a person with an infirmity; (4) located in an area not less desirable than the area in which the tenant then resides in regard to each of the following: (a) accessibility to the tenant's place of employment, (b) accessibility of community and commercial facilities, and (c) environmental quality and conditions; and (5) in accordance with additional reasonable criteria which the tenant has requested in writing at the time of making any request under this act. b. "Condominium" means a condominium as defined in the "Condominium Act," P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-1 et seq.). c. "Cooperative" means a housing corporation or association which entitles the holder of a share or membership interest thereof to possess and occupy for dwelling purposes a house, apartment, or other structure owned or leased by said corporation or association, or to lease or purchase a dwelling constructed or to be constructed by said corporation or association. d. "Mobile home park" means any park, including a trailer park or camp, equipped to handle mobile homes sited on a year-round basis. L.1975, c.311, s.4; amended 1981, c.8, s.3; 2017, c.131, s.1
Section 2A:18-61.7 of New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act establishes key definitions that govern how relocation rights and related protections are applied throughout the statute. Most notably, it sets out a multi-factor standard for what counts as 'comparable housing or park site,' requiring that any substitute housing be safe, code-compliant, non-discriminatory, and equivalent in size, rent, facilities, and location quality to the tenant's current home. The section also defines 'condominium,' 'cooperative,' and 'mobile home park' to clarify which types of housing arrangements fall within the law's scope.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.7 should be aware that the definition of 'comparable housing' sets a high bar: any housing offered or identified as a relocation alternative must meet all five criteria laid out in the provision, including equivalent size, rent range, kitchen and bathroom facilities, accessibility to employment and community services, and accommodations for disability or infirmity. Compliant operators typically document how a proposed alternative unit satisfies each of these criteria, including any additional reasonable criteria the tenant has submitted in writing. Understanding which property types—condominiums, cooperatives, and mobile home parks—fall under this act helps operators determine which obligations apply to their specific holdings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.7, tenants have a defined right to 'comparable housing' that meets specific standards if relocation is at issue, including equivalence in size, rent, facilities, and neighborhood quality, as well as accommodations for any disability or infirmity. Tenants can strengthen their position by submitting additional reasonable criteria for comparable housing in writing at the time they make any request under the act, as the statute expressly incorporates such written requests into the definition. Tenants who believe a proposed alternative does not meet the statutory definition may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act to understand available options, including raising the issue as a defense in eviction proceedings.
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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