S 362 clarifies that counties and municipalities directly renting residential units to tenants are excluded from the "Fair Chance in Housing Act." This bill amends the law’s definition of "housing provider" to specifically exclude county and municipal governments that rent housing directly. As a result, these government landlords would no longer be subject to the Act’s requirements regarding criminal record inquiries during rental applications. The bill resolves ongoing disputes about whether the Act applies to public housing providers, leaving the law unchanged for private landlords and housing providers.
This bill (S 451) prohibits landlords and property management software from using algorithmic systems to coordinate rental pricing and supply, which the legislature states has contributed to New Jersey's housing affordability crisis. It defines a "coordinator" as any service (including software) that collects pricing data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends rental prices or lease terms - effectively enabling price-fixing. Landlords are banned from subscribing to such services, and coordinators are prohibited from facilitating agreements that restrict competition among rental property owners. The law directly affects landlords, property management companies, and software providers operating in New Jersey's rental market, aiming to increase price competition and reduce rent burdens for renters.
S 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.
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.
S 258 requires landlords of public housing for seniors to waive late fees for tenants who are hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility. It mandates that landlords accept written proof of hospitalization to eliminate late charges during the stay and for five business days after discharge. Tenants remain responsible for rent due before lease termination, and the grace period doesn’t apply if they’re immediately admitted to another facility without returning home. Violations carry fines up to $500, enforced by the Attorney General. This bill directly affects seniors aged 62+ (or surviving spouses 55+) in subsidized senior housing.
This bill establishes minimum safety and sanitation standards for rental properties receiving federal subsidies (like Section 8 housing) in New Jersey. It requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions - such as working heat, plumbing, and pest control - and mandates that courts notify housing inspectors within two days if a tenant reports violations in subsidized units. Inspectors must assess the property within 10 days, with fees paid by the landlord if violations are found (e.g., lack of heat or structural hazards). Landlords must also register with local authorities, providing detailed contact information for emergencies and tenant communications. The bill directly affects subsidized landlords and tenants, ensuring taxpayer-funded housing meets health and safety codes.
S 220 establishes rules for when rental affordability controls expire on restricted housing units in New Jersey. It requires landlords to notify tenants 120 days before expiration and mandates income verification (based on 80% of regional median income) 90-180 days prior to determine if rent increases are permitted. If tenants remain at or below the income threshold after expiration, landlords cannot raise rents above affordability levels until the tenant moves out; if income exceeds the threshold, landlords may charge market rate at the next lease renewal or 60 days later. The bill also requires leases to prominently display expiration dates and potential rent changes. This bill applies directly to landlords of affordable housing units and their qualifying tenants.
This bill requires New Jersey residential landlords to accept rent payments made by cash, certified checks, money orders, personal checks, or through rental assistance programs. Landlords cannot force tenants to use electronic funds transfers for rent payments. Violating these requirements results in a $2,000 penalty per offense for landlords, and tenants may also sue for an additional $2,000 plus legal fees. The law applies directly to landlords and tenants in residential leases across New Jersey.
This bill prohibits landlords in New Jersey from charging tenants or applicants additional fees, rent, or security deposits for keeping pets in residential rental units. Landlords may not require pet-related fees in leases or applications and may only charge a single, refundable pet security deposit of up to $500 (included within the existing security deposit limit). Tenants who face violations can seek court termination of the lease or sue for $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees. The law applies to all residential rentals (excluding hotels/motels) and directly affects renters, applicants, and landlords.
This bill establishes clear standards for courts to determine if a rent increase is "unconscionable" (extremely unfair), considering factors like the rent amount, landlord expenses (e.g., maintenance, insurance), local market rates, tenant bargaining power, and property condition. Landlords must prove their increase isn't unconscionable, shifting the burden of proof from tenants. It also requires courts to keep eviction case records private if tenants win, unless landlords secure a possession judgment. The law excludes rent-controlled areas and regulated affordable housing programs from these standards. The main provisions take effect immediately, while the record privacy rule starts six months after enactment.
