2A:42-116 Definitions relative to multifamily housing.

3. As used in P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.):

"Agency" means the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established under section 4 of P.L.1983, c.530 (C.55:14K-4);

"Building" means any building or structure and the land appurtenant thereto in which at least half of the net square footage of the building is used for residential purposes; and shall not include any one to four unit residential building in which the owner occupies one of the units as his or her principal residence;

"Code" means any housing, property maintenance, fire or other public safety code applicable to a residential building, whether enforced by the municipality or by a State agency;

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Community Affairs;

"Department" means the Department of Community Affairs;

"Lienholder" or "mortgage holder" means any entity holding a note, mortgage or other interest secured by the building or any part thereof;

"Owner" means the holder or holders of title to a residential building;

"Party in interest" means: (1) any mortgage holder, lien holder or secured creditor of the owner; (2) any tenant living in the building; (3) any entity designated by more than 50 percent of the tenants living in the building as their representative; (4) the public officer; or (5) a non-profit entity providing community services in the municipality in which the building is located;

"Plaintiff" means a party in interest or a qualified entity that files a complaint pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117);

"Public officer" means an officer of the municipality appropriately qualified to carry out the responsibilities set forth in P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) and designated by resolution of the governing body of the municipality in which the building is located, 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 entity" means any person or entity registered with the department on the basis of having demonstrated knowledge and substantial experience in the operation, maintenance and improvement of residential buildings;

"Tenant" means a household that legally occupies a dwelling unit in a residential building.

L.2003,c.295,s.3.