2A:42-93. Order permitting performance of work in lieu of judgment; security; failure to exercise due diligence; hearing; judgment; appointment of administrator; powers

a. If, after a trial, the court shall determine that the facts alleged in the petition have been affirmatively established by the petitioner, that no defense thereto specified in this act has been affirmatively established by the owner or a mortgagee or lienor of record, and that the facts alleged in the petition warrant the granting of the relief sought, and if the owner or any mortgagee or lienor of record or parties in interest in the property, shall apply to the court to be permitted to remove or remedy the conditions specified in such petition and shall (1) demonstrate the ability promptly to undertake the work required; and (2) post security for the performance thereof within the time, and in the amount and manner deemed necessary by the court, then the court, in lieu of rendering judgment as provided in this act, may issue an order permitting such person to perform the work within a time fixed by the court.

b. If, after the issuance of an order pursuant to subdivision a. of this section, but before the time fixed in such order for the completion of the work prescribed therein, it shall appear to the petitioner that the person permitted to do the same is not proceeding with due diligence, the petitioners may apply to the court on notice to those persons who have appeared in the proceeding for a hearing to determine whether judgment should be rendered immediately as provided in subdivision c. of this section.

c. If, upon a hearing authorized in subdivision b. hereof, the court shall determine that such owner, mortgagee, lienor or parties in interest is not proceeding with due diligence, or upon the failure of such owner, mortgagee, lienor or parties in interest to complete the work in accordance with the provisions of said order, the court shall render a final judgment appointing an administrator as authorized in this act. Such judgment shall direct the administrator to apply the security posted by such person to the removing or remedying of the condition or conditions specified in the petition. In the event that the amount of such security should be insufficient for such purpose, such judgment shall direct the deposit of rents with the clerk, as authorized by this act, to the extent of such deficiency. In the event that such security should exceed the amount required to remove or remedy such condition or conditions, such judgment shall direct the administrator to file with the court, upon completion of the work prescribed therein, a full accounting of the amount of such security and the expenditures made pursuant to such judgment, and to turn over such surplus to the person who posted such security, together with a copy of such accounting.

d. The court is authorized and empowered, in implementing a judgment rendered pursuant to this act, to appoint an administrator who may be a public officer of the municipality wherein the subject dwelling is situated, an incorporated or unincorporated association, or other responsible person or persons, except that no owner, mortgagee or lienor of the subject dwelling shall be appointed an administrator of said dwelling.

The administrator is authorized and empowered, subject to the court's direction, to receive from the clerk such amounts of rent moneys or security deposited with said clerk as may be necessary to remove or remedy the condition or conditions specified in the judgment.

L.1971, c. 224, s. 9, eff. June 21, 1971.