Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3102: Expands definition of landlords required to provide receipt for rent cash payment made by tenant.

This bill expands the requirement for landlords to provide receipts for cash rent payments to cover all residential landlords, removing previous exemptions for small-scale properties. It affects landlords renting single units or small multi-unit buildings (previously exempt if under two units or owner-occupied with three units), but excludes hotels, motels, and transient housing. The key change is broadening the definition of "landlord" to mandate written or emailed receipts showing payment details for all cash rent payments. This creates a uniform requirement for all residential rental agreements lasting at least one month, with penalties for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 4316: Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

This bill requires New Jersey emergency shelters for the homeless to admit individuals regardless of whether they: have a mental illness, are substance-dependent, are not taking prescribed medication, or consumed alcohol off-site. It directly affects homeless individuals who face barriers based on these characteristics. Shelters may still refuse admission only if someone poses a danger to self, others, or property, or if legally authorized. The law does not prevent shelters from prohibiting drug/alcohol use on their premises. This expands existing protections that previously only covered mental illness.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mental Health Homelessness

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 667: Extends deadline for midpoint status report of municipal fair share affordable housing obligation compliance.

This bill extends the deadline for municipalities to submit their midpoint status reports on affordable housing compliance by one year. It directly affects New Jersey municipalities required to follow the Fair Housing Act (P.L.1985, c.222) and related settlement agreements. The key provision amends existing law to add a one-year extension after the midpoint review date, allowing more time for municipalities to report on their housing element implementation. This change responds to pandemic-related delays in municipal operations, as noted in the bill's statement. The extension applies to all municipalities with active housing element compliance obligations.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3464: Prohibits emergency homeless shelters from conditioning provision of shelter on enrollment in certain programs.

This bill prohibits emergency homeless shelters in New Jersey from requiring individuals to enroll in assistance programs (such as job training, housing aid, or counseling) as a condition for receiving shelter. Shelters must provide at least 72 hours of shelter, food, and safety regardless of whether a person is enrolled in such programs. After the initial 72 hours, shelters may ask individuals to begin applying for services to continue receiving shelter, but must then provide shelter for a minimum of 90 days if they comply. The bill does not require shelters to exceed their licensed capacity or override existing legal reasons for denying shelter.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1536: Permits single exit stairwells in certain new residential buildings under State Uniform Construction Code.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to permit a single exit stairwell in new multi-unit residential buildings (Group R-2, defined as structures with more than two dwelling units) up to six stories tall, overriding standard construction code requirements. It directly affects local governments, developers, and building owners by providing flexibility for new residential construction. The bill specifies that the first floor may include non-residential, nonhazardous uses (like retail) with separate entrances, and requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create a model ordinance for municipalities to adopt. These changes apply only to new development applications submitted after the bill takes effect.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 890: Allows municipalities to establish affordable housing preference for their residents.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to establish preferences for low- and moderate-income residents when allocating affordable housing units in new developments. Specifically, it permits municipalities to create a 50% preference for veterans who served in wartime or emergencies for affordable units, granting them priority during the first 90 days of a 120-day marketing period. The preference applies to units designated as affordable under municipal housing plans, with veterans placed on a special waiting list if units remain available after the initial period. This change directly affects veterans seeking affordable housing and gives municipalities new tools to implement housing preferences.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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

A 4279: Establishes homestead and bank account exemptions for persons in debt.

This bill creates a homestead exemption for New Jersey residents filing for bankruptcy, protecting their primary residence (including houses, condominiums, or manufactured homes) from being seized to pay off debts. The exemption automatically applies without requiring homeowners to file paperwork, and it covers properties used as the owner's main home, excluding secondary residences like vacation properties. It does not apply to debts from fraud, misconduct, or unpaid fees to community associations (e.g., homeowners' dues). This change would directly protect homeowners facing bankruptcy from losing their primary residence.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2964: Requires calculation of need for low and moderate income housing units to be based current percentage of units occupied by low and moderate income individuals or families; revises "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law" to allow for senior citizen housing and community development.

This New Jersey bill (A 2964) changes how municipalities calculate their obligation to provide low and moderate income housing. It requires each municipality to base its housing need calculation on the actual percentage of households in its area that are low/moderate income (using census data), setting a new 20% threshold for compliance. Municipalities falling below this threshold must develop additional affordable housing to reach 20%, with senior housing units counting toward up to 60% of the required affordable stock. The law revises housing statutes to implement this calculation method and exempts municipalities meeting the 20% standard from builder's remedy penalties.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2426: Increases gross income tax credit for homestead property taxes paid from $50 to $200.

This bill increases New Jersey's refundable tax credit for property taxes paid on a primary residence (homestead) from $50 to $200. It directly affects homeowners and tenants who pay property taxes or rent that includes property taxes on their primary residence, including seniors aged 65+ and qualifying blind or disabled taxpayers. Instead of claiming a property tax deduction, eligible taxpayers can now choose a flat $200 credit against their income tax, which is refundable (meaning they receive cash even if they owe no tax). The change applies to taxable years beginning after enactment and is designed to provide greater tax relief for qualifying residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax Property Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1607: Creates the "Mold Safe Housing Act."

This bill, the "Mold Safe Housing Act," requires landlords in New Jersey to address visible mold in rental properties that poses health risks. It mandates that landlords investigate tenant reports of mold within 72 hours, clean affected areas, and fix water leaks causing mold growth. Tenants can seek relocation assistance through the state if landlords fail to act, with costs potentially recovered from the landlord via liens or legal action. The law directly affects renters in mold-affected units and landlords responsible for property maintenance, applying to most residential rentals except seasonal units or those already certified mold-free.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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