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COVID-19: Executive Order 108 and Uniformity of Restrictions

On March 21, 2020, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 108. The purpose of this Order is to create statewide uniformity of COVID-19/Coronavirus related restrictions. The Order invalidates “all county or municipal restriction imposed in response to COVID-19…” that any in way “will or might conflict” with the statewide restrictions imposed by Executive Order 107.  This is an important, though unfortunately necessary, Order.  During uncertain times, multi-family property owners and managers will benefit from this uniformity.

Unless specifically permitted by the Governor, municipal restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 are invalidated. Varying curfews and county-specific bans on “worldly employment or business” are not enforceable. The only COVID-19/Coronavirus related restrictions to be followed are those imposed by the federal government and Executive Order 107. A subsequent post will address the specific effects of Executive Order 107 on the multi-family property industry. For now, the takeaway is: Make business decisions according to State-wide guidance, not local authority.

Offit Kurman, P.A., maintains a broad-based landlord and property owner representation practice. In New Jersey, Offit Kurman represents landlords and property managers in maximizing return, resolving disputes and avoiding unnecessary and costly delays. The Firm’s New Jersey geographic practice area includes: Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Hudson County, Newark, Essex County, Woodbridge, Middlesex County, Paterson, Passaic County, Hackensack, Bergen County and other points across New Jersey.