This bill repeals exemptions that previously allowed new construction to be exempt from municipal rent control and rent leveling rules during an initial mortgage period. It requires new housing developments to comply with local rent control ordinances from the start, rather than having a temporary exemption. The change applies to new construction projects with development applications submitted after the bill's effective date. This directly affects developers and landlords of new residential buildings in municipalities with rent control or rent leveling laws.
This bill bans landlords from using credit scores or credit reports to screen applicants for affordable housing programs. It directly affects low- and moderate-income renters applying for subsidized housing or units restricted to income-eligible households. The law requires landlords to conduct individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent, rather than relying on credit scores, which often unfairly reject tenants facing financial hardship. It also defines key terms like "affordable housing applicant" and specifies income thresholds based on rent share, not total rent.
This bill establishes a process for New Jersey residential tenants to challenge rent increases they believe are "unconscionable" (excessively high). Landlords must provide tenants with a detailed written rationale for rent hikes within 10 days of a tenant's written request, including specific data on Consumer Price Index changes, property expenses, profitability, market comparisons, and property condition. Tenants can then negotiate a lower rent or, if unresolved before the new lease term begins, file a court case where the landlord bears the burden of proving the increase is reasonable. The law directly affects tenants receiving rent increase notices and landlords managing residential properties in New Jersey.
This bill establishes clear standards for courts to determine if a rent increase is "unconscionable" (extremely unfair), directly affecting landlords and tenants in New Jersey. Courts must consider factors like the rent amount, landlord expenses, comparable local rents (including HUD data), tenant bargaining power, and property condition, with landlords bearing the burden of proof. It also excludes certain eviction court records from public access - specifically dismissed cases and cases where possession was granted over seven years ago - while exempting rent-controlled properties or regulated housing programs. The law codifies existing court practices to provide consistent, objective criteria for rent disputes.
This bill requires New Jersey court records related to landlord-tenant disputes (such as evictions or rent collection cases) to become permanently confidential to the public starting five years after the case was filed. After this five-year period, landlords, tenant screening services, and the public cannot access these records unless a court specifically approves disclosure for public interest, while removing all tenant-identifying information. Landlords are also prohibited from using these old court records when screening new tenants. Public entities must ensure these records remain confidential, though demographic data about eviction trends (without tenant names or addresses) may still be used for research.
This bill (A4322) protects specific tenants during federal government shutdowns by preventing evictions or foreclosures from residential properties. It applies to federal employees furloughed without pay or recipients of SNAP (food assistance) benefits. During a shutdown, the Governor may issue an executive order halting enforcement of eviction/foreclosure judgments for these "eligible residents," with the order lasting up to one month after the shutdown ends. Exceptions allow enforcement if the court deems it necessary for justice or if the eviction is unrelated to rent nonpayment.
This bill requires landlords of multi-unit rental properties (excluding very small owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer units) to provide tenants with a legal resources notice. Landlords must distribute the notice at move-in, lease renewal, and when legal action is taken against a tenant, and post it prominently in the building. The notice, developed by the state Department of Community Affairs, lists free and private legal services, common tenant rights, and a $1,000 penalty for non-compliance. It directly affects landlords in qualifying properties and ensures tenants have accessible information about legal assistance.
This bill prohibits landlords in New Jersey from restricting how tenants pay rent or where they must pay it. Specifically, landlords cannot require rent to be paid only by cash, check, or card, must accept all standard payment methods, and cannot demand payment outside the building or charge fees for common payment methods. It applies to all residential leases signed after enactment and requires landlords to accept cash, checks, or card payments made by tenants. Violations are punishable as disorderly persons offenses, with fines up to $1,000 or six months in jail.
New Jersey bill A 2592 requires most residential landlords to give tenants written notice within five business days if nearby construction (like neighbor property work) or their own maintenance might cause property damage or hazards. This applies to landlords renting properties with more than two units or seasonal rentals, excluding small owner-occupied homes (up to three units) and hotels. Notices must be delivered by mail, posted prominently, or electronically before work begins. Landlords who fail to provide notice face fines up to $200 per violation, enforceable through local courts.
This bill adds a new fee for landlords filing eviction actions related to unpaid rent in New Jersey. It targets renters facing imminent homelessness due to inability to pay rent, requiring them to be New Jersey residents with income under 80% of area median income and not hiding assets. The bill also changes how mortgage-related homelessness assistance is provided, requiring it as a secured loan (not direct cash) for owner-occupied homes. Eligibility includes prioritizing vulnerable groups like seniors, disabled individuals, domestic violence victims, and families with children facing separation.
