in nj, is there a law which prohibits a child of 5 yrs to stay with parents in 1 bedroom apartment? (Park Ridge: real estate, apartment complex)

[prasanna]

I went to a apartment complex in NJ for renting in 1 bedroom apartment. When I told him that I will be staying with my wife and child (5 years of age). He refused to rent me a 1 bedroom on the grounds that as per NJ law if u have a child above 3 years you need to rent a 2 bedroom.,

Is there a NJ law which prohibits a child under 18 to stay with father and mother in a 1 bedroom apartment? or should this be considered as Discrimination under fair housing law.

please only serious replies..no jokes or comments like how can a child sleep with parents..etc.

an early reply will be highly appreciated..

thanks in advance

[proboscis]

I live in a fairly large apartment complex, and have never heard of such a thing. I also watched a good friend raise his newborn in the same complex for a couple of years. But, that doesn't mean the law doesn't exist. I just don't think it does.

[christina0001]

Many states have similar laws for rentals. I just signed a lease in Missouri and it specifically stated no more than 2 people per bedroom; 2 adults + 1 kid need a 2 bedroom apartment. However the regulation also stated that it didn't apply if the child was born AFTER the lease was signed.

I can't say for sure what NJ law says. Here is some information on the topic, and at the bottom of the page, it says who you can call at the state of New Jersey if you feel you have been discriminated against, depending on what county you live in.
LSNJLAW - Q: Chapter 16: Housing Discrimination

[krusher]

It could also be a city ordinance. I know that I've leased in a few towns that had this stipulation. I never had the need to check into it further. It could be a rule of the condo/apt association as well. I doubt that's discrimination under the law, it has more to do with fire/occupancy codes.

Your best bet is just to move on and find somewhere else to live instead of letting this bug you.

[GJM]

Yes I have heard of this -

[juliann1977]

Yes-I believe the law is now only two and under can be in a 1 BR with their parents.

Recently did some preliminary temporary apt. hunting and was asked how old my 16 month old is in case we were going to want a 1 BR.

[I love the Bears]

There is a law like this in PA - it even limits the ages that brothers and sisters can share rooms

[marcelle]

my friend in nyc was told by acf that a child of the same sex can share a room for ex. dad and son, or 2 brothers etc.... she was sharing a studio with her son and was told he needed his own room. maybe the comples has rules, I wonder if you have to tell EVERYthing to these complexes. sorry how frustrating for you, hope you find something soon, what town are you in?

[prasanna]

Thanks for the replies. I wanted to rent anywhere in Bergen county.

As Christina0001 has pointed out, at the time of signing the lease if the child is below x years (x may be 2 or 3 not sure) than its OK to rent a 1BHK.

Also, once u are in the apartment(e.g. with a newborn,et) than there is nothing regulating till how much time the parents and child can stay in 1BHK.

I thought it should be a family's choice to rent a 1BHK or 2BHK until the child is around 7-10 years. or otherwise a max. cap on the rent so that a median income (single person earning) should be able to afford it (Hackensac,Park Ridge,montvale,hillsdale,etc)

This must be a rental-apartments lobby thing.

[ali herzog]

Hi,

My name is Ali and I'm a real estate agent in NJ and have lived here most of my life. I'm no lawyer, but I never heard of such a thing and it sounds discriminatory to me. Perhaps they were trying to get more money for the rent...