Housing (Tenant Rights) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 407: Provides exception for Legal Services of New Jersey and other public interest organizations from confidentiality of certain eviction actions.

This bill modifies New Jersey's confidentiality rules for eviction court records to allow Legal Services of New Jersey and certified public interest legal aid organizations to access these records. It directly affects unrepresented tenants facing eviction, as these organizations can now review case details without requiring an attorney's notice of appearance. The key provision removes confidentiality barriers for certified groups (including law school clinics and pro bono programs), enabling them to provide immediate legal assistance. This change ensures legal aid providers can effectively advise tenants and evaluate cases, maintaining access they previously had before the confidentiality law was enacted.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2688: Extends grace periods for rental late charges for certain tenants who receive public assistance payments.

This bill extends a 5-business-day grace period for rent payments to tenants receiving public assistance, preventing landlords from charging late fees during this time. It directly affects qualified tenants who receive benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Work First New Jersey payments. The key change requires the grace period to start only after the tenant receives their final monthly public assistance payment, and leases must specify scheduled payment dates. Landlords cannot impose late charges before the grace period begins, aligning the timing with when tenants typically receive their assistance funds.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2792: Clarifies and expands landlord registration procedures; creates certain rights for tenants; makes certain changes concerning tenant notifications, inspections, and maintenance in multiple dwellings; permits percentage of affordable housing obligation to be satisfied by certain rehabilitation projects.

This bill (S 2792) proposes new rules for landlords and tenant protections in New Jersey. It requires landlords of multiple-unit properties to register with their municipality within 7 days of becoming a landlord, providing detailed owner contact information. The bill also mandates clearer tenant notifications about inspections and maintenance, and allows landlords to meet affordable housing requirements through rehabilitation projects instead of new construction. It directly affects landlords managing multi-unit buildings and tenants living in those properties.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Landlords Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3095: Prohibits residential landlord from imposing certain surcharges for rent payments.

This bill prohibits landlords from charging more than $5 per month for online rent payments, such as credit/debit card or digital transfer fees. Landlords must cover any fees exceeding $5 or reimburse tenants within 10 days, and provide itemized receipts showing compliance. It directly affects renters - especially low-income tenants, seniors, and disabled individuals - who often face these extra charges. The law aims to prevent exploitative costs while aligning with existing housing protections.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

passed · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 219: Establishes guidelines for creditworthiness determinations concerning affordable housing programs.

This bill bans landlords and housing programs from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking subsidized housing or units restricted to such households. Instead of relying on credit scores, it requires individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent based on income relative to rent (2x or 2.5x rent, depending on subsidy type). The law aims to prevent discriminatory rejections that disproportionately impact people of color, disabled individuals, and others facing systemic barriers.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 292: Requires air conditioning in certain residential rental units.

This bill requires owners of multiple dwelling units (like apartment buildings) to provide operational air conditioning that maintains indoor temperatures at or below 80°F from May 16 to September 30 each year. It specifically applies to units occupied by or intended for senior citizens (62+ years old) or people with disabilities. The requirement does not apply to healthcare facilities or seasonal rental units (rented for 125 days or less). The Department of Community Affairs will create rules to implement these standards for all qualifying units.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2726: Concerns prohibition of certain residential tenant evictions and removals due to residential foreclosure during federal government shutdown.

This bill (S 2726) would allow New Jersey's Governor to issue an executive order preventing evictions and foreclosures for two specific groups during a federal government shutdown: federal employees who are furloughed or unpaid, and recipients of SNAP food assistance. The order would pause enforcement of eviction/foreclosure judgments (like removals or warrants) but not stop the legal proceedings themselves. Exceptions permit enforcement only if a court deems it necessary for justice or if the eviction isn't based on nonpayment of rent. The order would remain in effect for up to one month after the shutdown ends.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mortgages Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3040: Establishes "New Jersey Eviction Crisis Task Force."

S 3040 creates a 23-member "New Jersey Eviction Crisis Task Force" to study eviction trends and impacts across the state. The task force, including government officials, legislators, legal experts, and tenant advocates, will examine causes of eviction, its effects on families and communities, and potential policy solutions. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of forming. This bill does not change current laws but aims to inform future housing policies by analyzing eviction data and existing programs. The task force will expire once its report is issued.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2673: Provides mortgage payment relief, income tax relief, consumer reporting protection, and eviction protection for residential property owners, tenants, and other consumers, economically impacted during time of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

This bill provides temporary financial protections for New Jersey homeowners and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It requires mortgage lenders to grant at least 90 days of payment forbearance (a temporary pause on mortgage payments) to qualifying homeowners who lost income due to the pandemic, with an option for a second 90-day period. It also prohibits "non-essential evictions" for tenants who lost income or faced pandemic-related hardships, and prevents negative credit reporting for pandemic-related payment delays. These protections apply during the emergency period (the Governor's declared emergency plus 60 days) and cover renters and homeowners meeting income and hardship criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax Mortgages Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1210: Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

S 1210 protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking from housing discrimination by prohibiting landlords from terminating tenancies, refusing lease renewals, or denying rentals based on their victim status. Landlords must accept documentation like restraining orders, medical records, or certifications from domestic violence specialists to verify a tenant’s status. Victims can sue landlords who violate this law for damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies broadly to residential rentals but does not prevent evictions for other valid reasons, such as unpaid rent or property damage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Domestic Violence Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

All housing bills