This New Jersey bill (A 2627) prohibits landlords from charging tenants more than $5 per month for using digital payment methods (like credit cards or online platforms) to pay rent. It directly affects renters - especially fixed-income tenants, seniors, and low-wage earners - who often face cumulative fees of hundreds of dollars annually. Landlords must cover any fees exceeding $5 per payment or reimburse tenants within 10 days, and provide itemized receipts showing compliance. Violations trigger penalties under existing housing laws, including potential consumer fraud claims.
S 3533 establishes the "Household Water Assistance Program" with $75 million in funding to help low-income New Jersey households pay for water, sewer, and stormwater utility costs. It targets households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, those receiving benefits like SNAP or SSI, or those facing temporary financial hardship (e.g., job loss or medical expenses). The program prevents disconnections for nonpayment and restores service for households already disconnected due to unpaid bills. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs, it directly supports vulnerable households struggling with essential water service costs.
This New Jersey bill provides temporary mortgage relief to homeowners directly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 flooding. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year payment pause (forbearance) to eligible homeowners who received federal disaster aid for storm-damaged primary residences, meet income limits (under 150% of median income), and have limited savings. During this period, servicers cannot charge fees, penalties, or report negative credit information, and must halt foreclosure actions. The relief applies only to those who obtained FEMA or similar federal assistance for damage sustained to their homes.
This bill allows nonprofit agencies providing housing for adults with developmental disabilities to pay only 50% of liens when selling State-owned properties they've used for at least 10 years. It requires the state to transfer all sale proceeds directly to these agencies, rather than keeping them. Agencies must use the funds exclusively to buy new housing properties, renovate existing ones, or improve services for residents. This removes current financial barriers where agencies had to return all sale money to the state and pay full liens, hindering housing expansion.
This bill amends New Jersey's affordable housing laws to include certain South Korean veterans who served as allies with U.S. forces during the Vietnam conflict. It defines "disabled veteran" and "veteran" to explicitly cover South Korean veterans who are New Jersey residents, served in Vietnam as U.S. allies, and have a service-connected disability recognized by South Korea's equivalent to the U.S. Veterans Administration. These veterans will now qualify for the same housing preference priority system as U.S. disabled veterans, placing them in the second priority tier (after homeless veterans). The change expands existing eligibility under current housing programs without creating new funding or altering income requirements.
This bill (S 3328) removes the property tax exemption for housing owned by school districts and occupied by faculty members. Currently, New Jersey law exempts certain school properties from property tax, but explicitly excludes "housing for faculty or other employees." This bill formally eliminates that exemption by amending the tax code to clarify that such faculty housing is no longer exempt. The change directly affects school districts that provide housing to faculty and the faculty members living in it, requiring them to pay property taxes on that housing. The key mechanism is a specific amendment to the state tax code (R.S.54:4-3.6) to remove the exclusion for faculty housing.
This bill (A4400) amends New Jersey law to waive inspection fees for municipally owned affordable housing developments. It specifically allows the commissioner to waive fees if a unit has already undergone a thorough municipal inspection within the prior 12 months. The waiver applies directly to local government-owned affordable housing properties, reducing administrative costs for these developments. This change modifies existing fee structures under P.L.1967, c.76, without altering inspection requirements.
This bill prohibits New Jersey financial institutions (state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions) from requiring disabled veterans or their surviving spouses to disclose annual property tax obligations when applying for a mortgage on their primary residence. It applies specifically to "qualified veterans" (100% service-connected disability) and their surviving spouses who qualify for the disabled veterans' property tax exemption. Financial institutions must instead obtain a certification from the municipal assessor confirming the applicant meets all exemption eligibility requirements except property ownership (for new homes) or including ownership (for refinancing). The bill streamlines the mortgage process by removing this tax disclosure requirement, using a standardized form for assessor certifications.
This bill provides a temporary tax credit for New Jersey residents who are either first-time homebuyers (purchasing a home in 2019, 2020, or 2021) or seniors aged 65+ during the tax year. Eligible taxpayers receive a credit equal to 25% of their property taxes paid on their primary home, capped at $2,500 per year. The credit reduces income tax liability, and any unused portion is refunded directly to the taxpayer. The credit applies only for tax years 2019 through 2021, offering short-term relief for qualifying homeowners.
This bill establishes a one-year pilot program in Hudson County to provide financial support to homeless youth aged 18-24. It authorizes a one-time $5,000 payment plus a $1,200 monthly cash stipend for nine months to 50 eligible participants, with stipends explicitly excluded from income calculations for public assistance programs. The program requires wraparound services like housing navigation, financial coaching, and mental health support to address housing instability. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development must evaluate the pilot and submit a report to the legislature within six months of its conclusion.
