Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4767: Requires affordable housing obligations of municipalities to be based on Statewide need.

This bill requires that affordable housing obligations for municipalities in New Jersey be calculated based on statewide housing needs rather than local needs. It amends existing state laws to redefine key terms like "housing region" to mean the entire state and establishes new definitions for income levels and housing types. The legislation also updates how prospective housing needs are projected, tying future obligations to statewide methodology instead of regional assessments. These changes directly affect local governments, developers, and housing agencies involved in affordable housing planning and construction.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3730: Allows gross income tax deduction for functional improvements and home repairs made to taxpayer's primary residence.

This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct the cost of functional improvements and repairs to their primary residence from their gross income. It applies to homeowners and renters, covering expenses that materially improve a home's operating condition or prolong its useful life, as well as costs to keep the home in efficient working order. The deduction excludes aesthetic remodels or changes that adapt a home for new uses, and married couples filing separately can each claim half of the shared expense. The measure takes effect for taxable years beginning after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4588: Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disabled residents moving to lower floors.

This bill requires owners of multi-story apartment buildings in New Jersey to give priority to senior citizens and people with mobility disabilities when those residents want to move to a lower floor with the same number of bedrooms. The law grants these qualifying residents the right of first refusal over outside applicants and other current tenants seeking lower-floor units, while preserving existing affordability rules and income restrictions. Building owners must also post a visible sign informing residents of this priority status. The measure applies to non-cooperative apartment buildings with three or more floors and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

ACR 139: Proposes constitutional amendment to require Statewide calculation of affordable housing obligation.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how New Jersey calculates affordable housing obligations for municipalities. Currently, towns must meet housing needs based on regional calculations, but this amendment would require the Legislature to determine a single statewide number representing the total affordable housing needed across the entire state. The change would shift the basis for municipal housing requirements from regional assessments to a statewide calculation, ensuring that the constitutional obligation is met through one unified figure rather than separate regional targets.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3792: Enhances protections under Law Against Discrimination for immigrants and persons who are not United States citizens.

This bill expands New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly include immigration status and citizenship status as protected categories, ensuring immigrants and non-citizens receive the same legal protections against discrimination as current residents. The legislation amends existing state statutes to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on these statuses, while allowing distinctions only when required by federal law or national interest. By updating legal definitions and declarations within the state's anti-discrimination framework, the bill aims to provide clearer legal grounds for individuals to seek remedies for discrimination without needing to prove citizenship.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

ACR 138: Proposes amendment to New Jersey Constitution to prohibit exclusionary zoning and clarify municipal obligations regarding affordable housing construction.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to New Jersey that would prohibit municipalities from using exclusionary zoning practices that prevent the development of low and moderate income housing. The amendment clarifies that while towns cannot restrict housing options for lower-income residents, they are not required to actually build or fund affordable housing units themselves. This change would shift legal remedies from forcing specific housing projects to allowing courts to strike down discriminatory zoning ordinances instead. The measure would affect all New Jersey municipalities and aims to address long-standing housing disputes under the Mount Laurel doctrine by limiting what local governments must do regarding affordable housing construction.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4004: Establishes Office of Interagency Cooperation in DCA to enhance local level code enforcement.

This bill creates a new Office of Interagency Cooperation within the Department of Community Affairs to improve local code enforcement in New Jersey. The office will be overseen by a board appointed by state officials and the Commissioner of Community Affairs, which can authorize special strike teams to address serious or repeated code violations in specific municipalities. These strike teams will consist of state, municipal, and public health officials who conduct inspections of buildings with multiple complaints. Additionally, the office will establish a data-sharing system to track repeat violators and share information with municipalities to help target enforcement efforts.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Building Codes

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4785: Requires installation of emergency power supply systems to certain common areas of new planned real estate developments; provides related tax incentives.

This bill requires new planned real estate developments in New Jersey to install emergency power supply systems in common areas like clubhouses and community rooms, ensuring these spaces can serve as shelters during extended power outages. Developers must meet specific performance standards for the power systems, and the state will update its construction code to enforce these requirements while also mandating public charging stations for residents' electronic devices. To offset the added cost, the bill offers a tax incentive allowing developers to deduct up to $10,000 of the system's expense as an annual deduction rather than a capital investment. The legislation directly affects real estate developers and homeowners in planned communities by establishing new infrastructure standards and providing financial relief for compliance.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3865: "Medical Debt Homestead Protection Act."

This bill would prevent the forced sale of a primary residence to satisfy medical debt judgments in New Jersey. It allows homeowners to protect their home, condominium, or manufactured home from being seized or sold if a court orders payment for unpaid medical bills. The protection applies to individuals and married couples aged 18 and older who live in the state, and only one homestead exemption can be held at a time. The law would take effect 90 days after it is enacted.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3765: Requires DHS to request approval from federal government to provide rental assistance benefits to certain NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to seek federal approval to offer rental assistance to specific NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries for up to six months. The program would target individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of emergency shelters and who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder. If approved, the state would issue financial assistance vouchers or subsidies directly to housing providers to help eligible recipients secure or maintain housing. The bill also requires the state to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the program once federal permission is granted.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness Renters

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