The short answer
New Jersey's Radburn Act amendments (2017) to the Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act strengthened owner rights in community associations: every member in good standing can vote and run for the board, elections must be held at least every two years, ballots can be cast by mail or electronically under set procedures, and boards must follow open-meeting and record-access rules.
Election requirements
- Elections must be held at least every two years; staggered terms of up to four years are allowed.
- Every owner member in good standing can vote and be nominated.
- Owners can't be barred from voting simply because of unpaid fines — eligibility rules are limited by statute.
- Absentee and electronic voting procedures must be offered as the law and documents allow.
- Quorum rules for elections are adjusted so elections aren't blocked by low turnout — see quorum.
Open meetings and records
Board meetings are generally open to owners, with notice. Closed sessions are permitted for specific topics like litigation, personnel, and individual owner matters, and actions still must be taken in open session. Owners have rights to inspect association records within set limits.
Running a clean election
Most election disputes come from process: unclear nomination deadlines, mailing errors, or ballots counted by interested parties. A written timeline, mailed and electronic notices, and a count by someone without a stake in the result prevent most of them.
Common questions
Does the Radburn Act apply to condominiums?
The Radburn amendments apply to planned real estate developments under PREDFDA, which include many HOAs and condominiums. Condominiums also follow the New Jersey Condominium Act. Ask the association's attorney how both apply.
Can owners attend all board meetings?
Owners can attend open sessions. Boards may meet in closed session only for permitted topics.
General information about New Jersey rules as of October 2026, not legal advice. Laws and municipal requirements change — confirm specifics with your attorney or the municipality before acting.
Reviewed October 2026 by Comet Management, Hamburg, NJ.