This New Jersey bill codifies a tenant's right to use a landlord's failure to maintain habitable housing as a defense in eviction cases. It requires landlords to address habitability issues (like unsafe conditions) after receiving notice, and allows tenants who withheld rent due to such problems to reduce their rent obligation to the property's fair value during the defect. Courts must order inspections by code enforcement officials, then set rent reductions, repair timelines, and payment schedules if a habitability breach is proven. The bill directly affects residential tenants, landlords, and courts handling eviction cases involving unsafe living conditions.
This bill establishes confidentiality for landlord-tenant court records in New Jersey to prevent unfair housing denials. It requires all such records to remain private for 60 days after filing, and permanently confidential if the tenant wins, settles favorably, or the case is dismissed - only allowing public access if a landlord wins a judgment for possession. The law directly affects tenants (especially low-income renters) by stopping screening agencies from using bare court filings as a sole reason to deny housing, even when tenants had valid legal defenses like withholding rent for unsafe conditions. Landlords and tenant screening agencies must now wait for case outcomes before accessing records, reducing "blacklisting" based on incomplete information.
This bill would extend the time tenants using federal housing choice vouchers (Section 8) have to find new housing from 60 days to 180 days when they must vacate due to a landlord selling the property. Currently, tenants have a 60-day initial period to secure housing, with limited extensions possible. The bill requires New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs to establish this 180-day standard for all housing authorities administering the voucher program. It directly affects low-income renters in New Jersey who face displacement from properties sold by landlords.
S 3530, the "Immigrant Tenant Protection Act," protects residential tenants in New Jersey from discrimination based on immigration status. It prohibits landlords from threatening to report a tenant’s immigration status, using it as a reason to evict, or requiring social security numbers/ID as a condition for tenancy. Tenants can sue landlords for violations and recover damages up to $2,000 per violation, plus attorney fees. The bill also prevents courts from inquiring into a tenant’s immigration status during housing rights cases unless directly relevant to the tenant’s claims.
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.
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.
This bill requires residential landlords in New Jersey to install durable guards or covers on all radiators exceeding 110°F surface temperature within 90 days of a tenant's written request. It updates previous law by removing the "steam radiator" restriction (applying to all radiator types) and replacing "insulating materials" with safety-focused guards. Landlords must provide annual written notice to tenants about this requirement and maintain it in common areas. Violations may lead to fines under the Uniform Fire Safety Act, and tenants injured due to non-compliance can seek legal remedies. The bill directly affects landlords of rental properties and their tenants.
New Jersey's S 2191 would make individual owners, managers, and officers of LLCs and corporations personally liable for unpaid housing, building, or health code violations when acting as residential landlords. It applies if three or more charges remain unpaid 13 months after the first due date, after proper notice is sent to all relevant parties (including mortgage holders). The bill requires the individual to hold at least a 10% ownership stake in a member-managed LLC or serve as a director/officer, with a defense available if they couldn't influence payment. This expands liability beyond the entity itself to specific individuals under defined conditions. The bill is currently pending in the Senate (introduced January 13, 2026).
This bill requires landlords in New Jersey to notify tenants about potential damage or hazards from construction or work on adjacent properties. Landlords must provide tenants with written notices received from neighbors (like contractors or government entities) within five business days, or before starting work that could create hazards. The notice can be delivered by mail, posting, or email, and landlords who fail to comply face penalties of up to $200 per offense. It applies to most residential rentals (excluding small owner-occupied properties and hotels) but does not cover seasonal rentals under 125 days.
This bill (S 2192) requires New Jersey landlords to inspect rental properties within 90 days of the law taking effect to identify lead service lines (pipes connecting water mains to buildings) or lead plumbing. Landlords must then disclose this information to current tenants and provide written notice about lead risks to prospective tenants before new leases are signed. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $500 per offense, with daily violations considered separate offenses. The law directly affects landlords of rental properties and their tenants by mandating transparency about potential lead exposure in drinking water.
