reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-77 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-77 - Application for funding from "1992 New Jersey Employment and Workforce Development Act"

55:19-77. Application for funding from "1992 New Jersey Employment and Workforce Development Act"  63. The authority may apply for funding from the "1992 New Jersey Employment and Workforce Development Act," P.L.1992, c.43. Consideration shall be given to funding such projects as may be practicable in a qualified municipality as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1996, c.62 (C.55:19-22) or in an empowerment zone or enterprise community as designated under federal law, so long as those projects are consistent with the purposes of P.L.1992, c.43. L.1996,c.62,s.63.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-78 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-78 - Short title

55:19-78. Short title  1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act." L.2003,c.210,s.1.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-79 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-79 - Findings, declarations relative to abandoned properties

55:19-79. Findings, declarations relative to abandoned properties  2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Abandoned properties, particularly those located within urban areas or in close proximity to occupied residences and businesses, create a wide range of problems for the communities in which they are located, fostering criminal activity, creating public health problems and otherwise diminishing the quality of life for residents and business operators in those areas. b. Abandoned properties diminish the property values of neighboring properties and have a negative effect on the quality of life of adjacent property owners, increasing the risk of property damage through arson and vandalism and discouraging neighborhood stability and revitalization. c. For these reasons, abandoned properties are presumptively considered to be nuisances, in view of their negative effects on nearby properties and the residents or users of those properties. d. The continued presence of abandoned properties in New Jersey's communities acts as a significant barrier to urban revitalization and to the regeneration of the State's urban centers. e. Abandonment is a local problem that must be addressed locally and the most important role of State government is to provide local governments, local community organizations, citizens, and residents with the tools to address the problem. f. The responsibility of a property owner to maintain a property in sound condition and prevent it from becoming a nuisance to others extends to properties which are not in use and 'demolition by neglect', leading to the deterioration and loss of the property, or failure by an owner to comply with legitimate orders to demolish, stabilize or otherwise repair his or her property creates a presumption that the owner has abandoned the property. g. Many abandoned buildings still have potential value for residential and other uses and such buildings should be preserved rather than demolished, wherever feasible, particularly buildings that have historic or architectural value, or contribute to maintaining the character of neighborhoods or streetscapes, or both, as the case may be. L.2003,c.210,s.2.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-80 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-80 - Definitions relative to abandoned property.

55:19-80 Definitions relative to abandoned property.  3. As used in sections 1 through 25 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 through C.55:19-102) and section 3 of P.L.2006, c.24 (C.55:19-107): "Department" means the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. "Lienholder" or "mortgage holder" means any person or entity holding a note, mortgage or other interest secured by the building or any part thereof. "Municipality" means any city, borough, town, township or village situated within the boundaries of this State and shall include a qualified rehabilitation entity that may be designated by the municipality pursuant to section 13 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-90) to act as its agent to exercise any of the municipality's rights pursuant thereto. "Owner" means the holder or holders of title to an abandoned property. "Property" means any building or structure and the land appurtenant thereto. "Public officer" means the person designated by the municipality pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1942, c.112 (C.40:48-2.5) or any officer of the municipality qualified to carry out the responsibilities set forth in P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.) and designated by resolution of the governing body of the municipality, except that in municipalities organized under the "mayor-council plan" of the Optional Municipal Charter Law, P.L.1950, c.210 (C.40:69A-1 et seq.), the public officer shall be designated by the mayor. "Qualified rehabilitation entity" means an entity organized or authorized to do business under the New Jersey statutes which shall have as one of its purposes the construction or rehabilitation of residential or non-residential buildings, the provision of affordable housing, the restoration of abandoned property, the revitalization and improvement of urban neighborhoods, or similar purpose, and which shall be well qualified by virtue of its staff, professional consultants, financial resources, and prior activities set forth in P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.) to carry out the rehabilitation of vacant buildings in urban areas. "Utility" means any electric or natural gas public utility that is regulated under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities. L.2003,c.210,s.3; amended 2005, c.118, s.12; 2006, c.24, s.2.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-81 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-81 - Determination that property is abandoned.

55:19-81 Determination that property is abandoned.  4. Except as provided in section 6 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-83), any property that has not been legally occupied for a period of six months and which meets any one of the following additional criteria may be deemed to be abandoned property upon a determination by the public officer that: a. The property is in need of rehabilitation in the reasonable judgment of the public officer, and no rehabilitation has taken place during that six-month period; b. Construction was initiated on the property and was discontinued prior to completion, leaving the building unsuitable for occupancy, and no construction has taken place for at least six months as of the date of a determination by the public officer pursuant to this section; c. At least one installment of property tax remains unpaid and delinquent on that property in accordance with chapter 4 of Title 54 of the Revised Statutes as of the date of a determination by the public officer pursuant to this section; or d. The property has been determined to be a nuisance by the public officer in accordance with section 5 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-82). A property which contains both residential and non-residential space may be considered abandoned pursuant to P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.) so long as two-thirds or more of the total net square footage of the building was previously legally occupied as residential space and none of the residential space has been legally occupied for at least six months at the time of the determination of abandonment by the public officer and the property meets the criteria of either subsection a. or subsection d. of this section. L.2003,c.210,s.4; amended 2005,c.118,s.3.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-82 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-82 - Determination of property as nuisance

55:19-82. Determination of property as nuisance  5. A property may be determined to be a nuisance if: a. The property has been found to be unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1942, c.112 (C.40:48-2.3); b. The condition and vacancy of the property materially increases the risk of fire to the property and adjacent properties; c. The property is subject to unauthorized entry leading to potential health and safety hazards; the owner has failed to take reasonable and necessary measures to secure the property; or the municipality has secured the property in order to prevent such hazards after the owner has failed to do so; d. The presence of vermin or the accumulation of debris, uncut vegetation or physical deterioration of the structure or grounds have created potential health and safety hazards and the owner has failed to take reasonable and necessary measures to remove the hazards; or e. The dilapidated appearance or other condition of the property materially affects the welfare, including the economic welfare, of the residents of the area in close proximity to the property, and the owner has failed to take reasonable and necessary measures to remedy the conditions. A public officer who determines a property to be a nuisance pursuant to subsections b. through e. of this section shall follow the notification procedures set forth in P.L.1942, c.112 (C.40:48-2.3 et seq.). L.2003,c.210,s.5.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-83 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-83 - Property not to be placed on abandoned property list; conditions.

55:19-83 Property not to be placed on abandoned property list; conditions.  6. a. If an entity other than the municipality has purchased or taken assignment from the municipality of a tax sale certificate on a property that has not been legally occupied for a period of six months, that property shall not be placed on the abandoned property list pursuant to section 36 of P.L.1996, c.62 (C.55:19-55) if (1) the owner of the certificate has continued to pay all municipal taxes and liens on the property in the tax year when due; and (2) the owner of the certificate takes action to initiate foreclosure proceedings within six months after the property is eligible for foreclosure pursuant to either subsection a. or subsection b. of R.S.54:5-86, as appropriate, and diligently pursues foreclosure proceedings in a timely fashion thereafter. b. A property which is used on a seasonal basis shall be deemed to be abandoned only if the property meets any two of the additional criteria set forth in section 4 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-81). c. A determination that a property is abandoned property under the provisions of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.) shall not constitute a finding that the use of the property has been abandoned for purposes of municipal zoning or land use regulation. d. Upon the request of a purchaser or assignee of a tax sale certificate seeking to bar the right of redemption on an abandoned property pursuant to subsection b. of R.S.54:5-86, the public officer or the tax collector shall, in a timely fashion, provide the requester with a certification that the property fulfills the definition of abandoned according to the criteria set forth in sections 4 and 5 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-81 and C.55:19-82). L.2003,c.210,s.6; amended 2005, c.118, s.4
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-84 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-84 - Action to transfer property to municipality

55:19-84. Action to transfer property to municipality  7. A summary action or otherwise to transfer possession and control of abandoned property in need of rehabilitation to a municipality may be brought by a municipality in the Superior Court in the county in which the property is situated. If the court shall find that the property is abandoned pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-81) and the owner or party in interest has failed to submit and initiate a rehabilitation plan, then the court may authorize the municipality to take possession and control of the property and develop a rehabilitation plan. The municipality granted possession and control may commence and maintain those further proceedings for the conservation, protection or disposal of the property or any part thereof that are required to rehabilitate the property, necessary to recoup the cost and expenses of rehabilitation and for the sale of the property; provided, however, that the court shall not direct the sale of the property if the owner applies to the court for reinstatement of control of the property as provided in section 15 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-92). Failure by the owner, mortgage holder or lien holder to submit plans for rehabilitation to the municipality, obtain appropriate construction permits for rehabilitation or, in the alternative, submit formal applications for funding the cost of rehabilitation to local, State or federal agencies providing such funding within that six-month period shall be deemed prima facie evidence that the owner has failed to take any action to further the rehabilitation of the property. L.2003,c.210,s.7.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-85 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-85 - Complaint, content

55:19-85. Complaint, content  8. A complaint filed pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-84) shall include: a. documentation that the property is on the municipal abandoned property list or a certification by the public officer that the property is abandoned; and b. a statement by an individual holding appropriate professional qualifications that there are sound reasons that the building should be rehabilitated rather than demolished based upon the physical, aesthetic or historical character of the building or the relationship of the building to other buildings and lands within its immediate vicinity. L.2003,c.210,s.8.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-86 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-86 - Complaint, lis pendens, notice; entry on property.

55:19-86 Complaint, lis pendens, notice; entry on property.  9. a. Within 10 days of filing a complaint pursuant to P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.), the plaintiff shall file a notice of lis pendens with the county recording officer of the county within which the building is located. b. At least 30 days before filing the complaint, the municipality shall serve a notice of intention to take possession of an abandoned building. The notice shall inform the owner and interested parties that the property has not been legally occupied for six months and of those criteria that led to a determination of abandonment pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-81). The notice shall provide that unless the owner or a party in interest prepares and submits a rehabilitation plan to the appropriate municipal officials, the municipality will seek to gain possession of the building to rehabilitate the property and the associated cost shall be a lien against the property, which may be satisfied by the sale of the property, unless the owner applies to the court for reinstatement of control of the property as provided in section 15 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-92). After the complaint is filed, the complaint shall be served on the parties in interest in accordance with the New Jersey Rules of Court. c. After serving the notice of intent pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the municipality or its designee may enter upon that property after written notice to the owner by certified mail, return receipt requested, in order to secure, stabilize or repair the property, or in order to inspect the property for purposes of preparing the plan to be submitted to the court pursuant to section 12 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-89). L.2003,c.210,s.9; amended 2005, c.118, s.5.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-87 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-87 - Defense by owner against complaint.

55:19-87 Defense by owner against complaint.  10. a. Any owner may defend against a complaint filed pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-84) by submitting a plan for the rehabilitation and reuse of the property which is the subject of the complaint and by posting a bond equal to 125 percent of the amount determined by the public officer or the court to be the projected cost of rehabilitation. Any plan submitted by an owner to defend against a complaint shall be submitted within 60 days after the complaint has been filed, unless the court provides the owner with an extension of time for good cause shown. b. A plan submitted by an owner pursuant to this section shall include, but not be limited to: (1) A detailed financial feasibility analysis, including documentation of the economic feasibility of the proposed reuse, including operating budgets or resale prices, or both, as appropriate; (2) A budget for the rehabilitation of the property, including sources and uses of funds, based on the terms and conditions of realistically available financing, including grants and loans; (3) A timetable for the completion of rehabilitation and reuse of the property, including milestones for performance of major steps leading to and encompassing the rehabilitation and reuse of the property; and (4) Documentation of the qualifications of the individuals and firms that will be engaged to carry out the planning, design, financial packaging, construction, and marketing or rental of the property. c. (1) The court shall approve any plan that, in the judgment of the court, is realistic and likely to result in the expeditious rehabilitation and reuse of the property which is the subject of the complaint. (2) If the court approves the owner's plan, then it may appoint the public officer to act as monitor of the owner's compliance. If the owner fails to carry out any step in the approved plan, then the municipality may apply to the court to have the owner's bond forfeited, possession of the building transferred to the municipality to complete the rehabilitation plan and authorization to use the bond proceeds for rehabilitation of the property. (3) The owner shall provide quarterly reports to the municipality on its activities and progress toward rehabilitation and reuse of the property. The owner shall provide those reports to the court on its activities that the court determines are necessary. d. The court may reject a plan and bond if it finds that the plan does not represent a realistic and expeditious means of ensuring the rehabilitation of the property or that the owner or his representatives or agents, or both, lack the qualifications, background or other criteria necessary to ensure that the plan will be carried out successfully. L.2003,c.210,s.10; amended 2005, c.118, s.6.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-88 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-88 - Designation of possessor if owner unsuccessful in defending against complaint.

55:19-88 Designation of possessor if owner unsuccessful in defending against complaint.  11. a. If an owner is unsuccessful in defending against a complaint filed pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-84), the mortgage holder or lien holder may seek to be designated in possession of the property by submitting a plan and posting a bond meeting the same conditions as set forth in section 10 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-87). The plan shall be submitted within 60 days after the court has rejected the owner's plan, unless the court provides the mortgage holder or lienholder with an extension of time for good cause shown. If the court approves any such mortgage holder or lien holder's plan, it shall designate that party to be in possession of the property for purposes of ensuring its rehabilitation and reuse and may appoint the public officer to act as monitor of the party's compliance. The mortgage holder or lien holder, as the case may be, shall provide quarterly reports to the court and the municipality on its activities and progress toward rehabilitation and reuse of the property. If the mortgage holder or lien holder fails to carry out any material step in the approved plan, then the public officer shall notify the court, which may order the bond forfeit, grant the municipality possession of the property, and authorize the municipality to use the proceeds of the bond for rehabilitation of the property. b. Any sums incurred or advanced for the purpose of rehabilitating the property by a mortgage holder or lien holder granted possession of a property pursuant to subsection a. of this section, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, may be added to the unpaid balance due that mortgage holder or lien holder, with interest calculated at the same rate set forth in the note or security agreement; or, in the case of a tax lien holder, at the statutory interest rate for subsequent liens. L.2003,c.210,s.11; amended 2005, c.118, s.7.
NJ Rev Stat § 55:19-89 (2021)
2021 New Jersey Revised Statutes|Title 55 - Tenement Houses and Public Housing|Section 55:19-89 - Submission of plan to court by municipality

55:19-89. Submission of plan to court by municipality  12. If no mortgage holder or lienholder meets the conditions of section 11 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-88), then the municipality shall submit a plan to the court which conforms with the provisions of subsection b. of section 10 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-87). The plan shall designate the entity which shall implement the plan, which may be the municipality or that entity designated in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-90). The court shall grant the municipality possession of the property if it finds that: a. the proposed rehabilitation and reuse of the property is appropriate and beneficial; b. the municipality is qualified to undertake the rehabilitation and reuse of the property; and c. the plan submitted by the municipality represents a realistic and timely plan for the rehabilitation and reuse of the property. The municipality shall take all steps necessary and appropriate to further the rehabilitation and reuse of the property consistent with the plan submitted to the court. In making its findings pursuant to this section, the court may consult with qualified parties, including the Department of Community Affairs, and, upon request by a party in interest, may hold a hearing on the plan.  Where either a redevelopment plan pursuant to P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.) or a neighborhood revitalization plan pursuant to P.L.2001, c.415 (C.52:27D-490 et seq.) has been adopted or approved by the Department of Community Affairs, as appropriate, encompassing the property which is the subject of a complaint, the court shall make a further finding that the proposed rehabilitation and reuse of the property are not inconsistent with any provision of either plan. L.2003,c.210,s.12.