This New Jersey bill requires landlords to provide two specific appliances in residential rental units to ensure habitability: a refrigerator that maintains safe food storage temperatures (32-50°F) and a stove that is safely connected (electric with sufficient capacity or gas with permanent fixtures to prevent leaks). It applies to landlords leasing standard residential units (excluding hotels, motels, or transient accommodations) for terms of at least one month. Violations carry a $500 penalty per offense, enforceable by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Attorney General, or aggrieved tenants, who may also sue for damages including attorney fees. The law takes effect for new leases entered on or after the second month following enactment.
This bill establishes a four-year pilot program allowing low-income tenants in subsidized housing to build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus. Landlords who volunteer must report tenants' rent payments (on-time, late, or missed) to approved agencies, with tenants paying a $10 monthly fee max for this service. Tenants can voluntarily join or leave the program, but must wait six months to rejoin after opting out. The program will be evaluated after two years to assess participation, tenant demographics, credit impacts, and costs before determining if it continues.
This New Jersey bill (A 3488) requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like in-law apartments or backyard cottages - in single-family and two-family residential zones. It mandates that local land use regulations permit ADUs as a "permitted use as of right," removing barriers such as excessive parking requirements, owner-occupancy mandates, or restrictions on occupant relationships. The bill also requires automatic approval (ministerial action) for ADU applications without public hearings, while prohibiting municipalities from imposing additional fees or fire sprinkler requirements beyond those for the main dwelling. It directly affects homeowners seeking to build ADUs, municipalities updating zoning rules, and renters who may benefit from expanded housing options within existing neighborhoods. The bill is pending before the Assembly Housing Committee as of January 2026.
This bill (A 1456) establishes a $200 million mortgage assistance program for low- and moderate-income homeowners in New Jersey who face imminent risk of homelessness due to qualifying economic hardships (like job loss, medical issues, or death of a family member). It provides zero-interest, forgivable loans in four tiers: "deep" subsidies for those missing three+ payments, "moderate" for any delinquency, "shallow" for imminent risk, and "single" for at-risk homeowners. Homeowners must use the home as their primary residence for three years and complete mandatory counseling on budgeting and home finance to qualify for loan forgiveness. The program targets homeowners with incomes at or below 80% of their local median household income.
This bill (A2239) requires building owners to provide elevator maintenance records through a public online portal and display safety signage. It directs the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create a loan program specifically for senior housing buildings to cover elevator maintenance costs. The bill also mandates a public database tracking elevator safety inspections, hazardous conditions, and resolution status. These requirements directly affect owners of multi-unit buildings with elevators and aim to improve transparency and safety for residents.
ACR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the annual income limit for New Jersey residents to qualify for a property tax deduction. It directly affects seniors (65+ years) and permanently disabled residents who own or rent housing in the state. The bill would raise the current income cap from $10,000 to $15,000 per year for eligibility, effective in 2023. This change updates a limit that has remained unchanged since 1983, when it increased from $9,000 to $10,000.
New Jersey bill A3314 limits annual increases to association dues for unit owners in planned real estate developments to 10% per year. The law prevents association boards from raising dues more than 10% above the prior year's amount, excluding late fees or interest. Unit owners can report violations to the Consumer Affairs Division for investigation or file lawsuits seeking $1,000 penalties per violation plus refunds for excessive payments. Exceptions include dues hikes required for compliance with other laws or commissioner-approved increases.
This bill increases the annual income limit for New Jersey seniors (65+) and permanently disabled residents to qualify for a $250 property tax deduction from $10,000 to $15,000. It directly affects eligible homeowners aged 65+ or disabled individuals with household incomes under $15,000 who own or rent their primary residence. The key change is raising the income threshold while keeping the maximum deduction amount fixed at $250 per year. The bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before taking effect.
This bill creates a certification process for nonprofits that help low- and moderate-income residents build or rehabilitate homes through sweat equity (where future occupants contribute labor instead of money). It waives certain regulatory requirements for these certified nonprofits, including adaptability rules for housing units and marketing mandates for municipalities to count sweat equity homes toward affordable housing obligations. The bill also allows certified nonprofits to use their own affordability controls instead of state-mandated standards and directs state offices to expedite assistance for these projects. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking affordable housing and the nonprofits facilitating their home construction.
This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 77) urges Congress to pass federal legislation requiring mortgage lenders to count rent payments as part of credit assessments when evaluating homebuyers. It directly aims to help lower-income renters - particularly people of color with limited credit history - who consistently pay rent but are currently excluded from mortgage approvals due to lack of traditional credit. The resolution cites Fannie Mae's data showing 17% of previously disqualified applicants (many from marginalized groups) could qualify for mortgages if rent history were considered. It emphasizes that federal law currently blocks states from mandating this practice, making Congressional action necessary to expand homeownership opportunities.
