This bill establishes clear standards for rent-to-own agreements in New Jersey, directly protecting tenant-buyers who pay rent with the option to purchase a home later. It requires written agreements disclosing all key terms (total price, lease duration, option fees, rent credits), mandates property inspections before signing, and ensures landlords provide full financial disclosures. The bill prohibits unfair practices like non-refundable fees without cause, requires 30 days to cure defaults, and prevents landlords from waiving tenant rights. It also ensures tenant-buyers' interests remain protected if the property is sold to a third party or if insurance/eminent domain payments are involved.
This New Jersey bill (S 252) requires municipal water authorities to provide 15 days' written notice before disconnecting water service for non-payment to property owners, the billed customer, and any tenants. Notices to tenants must include an offer for continued service billed directly to them. Authorities must also offer a reasonable payment plan if requested before disconnection. The bill applies to both water and sewer service disconnections, aiming to give residents more time and options to avoid service loss.
This bill (S 402) creates confidentiality rules for landlord-tenant court records in New Jersey. It prohibits public access to these records for 60 days after filing, and permanently blocks access for records where tenants win cases, settle favorably, or file valid legal claims against landlords. Landlords and tenant screening agencies can only access records if a judgment for possession is entered and no appeal occurs. The law directly affects tenants (by protecting their records from being used to deny housing) and landlords (who lose access to basic filing data for screening purposes).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
