This bill prohibits rental property owners and software companies from using technology that coordinates rent increases across multiple properties. It specifically bans "coordinating functions" where software collects real-time pricing data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends uniform rent prices - effectively enabling tacit price-fixing agreements. The law applies to all residential rental properties (excluding certain facilities) and makes such coordination a violation of New Jersey’s Antitrust Act. Enforcement would occur through existing antitrust mechanisms, with education efforts to inform tenants about suspected violations.
This bill requires mortgage lenders to maintain vacant, age-restricted housing units (typically senior living communities) during foreclosure proceedings. Lenders must notify municipalities within 10 days of filing foreclosure actions and provide contact details for property maintenance representatives. If a vacant unit becomes a safety hazard or code violation, the lender - not the municipality - must address it within 30 days, or face penalties. The bill applies specifically to properties designated as age-restricted under New Jersey law, ensuring continued upkeep during legal proceedings.
This bill (S 1507) increases penalties for landlords who violate New Jersey's "Truth-in-Renting Act" from $100 to $1,000 per violation. It directly affects tenants who face landlord violations, such as failing to provide required rental guides, refusing cash receipts, or blocking payment methods. The bill also allows tenants to recover reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses when suing for these violations. These changes aim to strengthen tenant protections by raising financial consequences for landlords and reducing legal barriers for tenants seeking redress.
S 1946 allows New Jersey municipalities to create programs giving priority for affordable housing units to low- and moderate-income veterans who served in wartime or emergencies (up to 50% of affordable units in a project). It amends state housing law to let municipalities use tools like rezoning, tax abatements, or public land to build affordable housing while requiring units to remain affordable for at least six years. The bill specifically adds a veteran preference mechanism into housing selection processes but does not require municipalities to raise taxes or spend public funds for this purpose. This directly affects municipalities developing housing projects and low-to-moderate-income veterans seeking housing in New Jersey.
This bill establishes New Jersey's Safe Haven Homeless Housing Program, which would provide low-interest loans to developers to convert underused buildings (like vacant malls, warehouses, or hotels) into housing for homeless individuals and families. The program targets "very low-income households" (earning ≤30% of area median income) and offers two housing types: transitional housing (up to 24 months with support services) and permanent supportive housing. It appropriates $30 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to create a dedicated Safe Haven Homeless Housing Fund, administered by the state Housing Agency, with interest earnings also deposited into the fund. The bill requires the agency to develop implementing rules but does not change existing eligibility or housing standards.
S 760, the "Mold Safe Housing Act," requires landlords in New Jersey to address mold hazards in rental properties within 72 hours of tenant notification. It mandates inspections before occupancy changes for certain buildings and creates a process where tenants can request mold remediation, with landlords facing financial liability if they fail to comply. The bill establishes a relocation program for tenants in unsafe housing, allowing the state to seek reimbursement from negligent landlords for relocation costs. This law directly affects renters in mold-prone housing, landlords, and local housing authorities, focusing on health safety through enforceable cleanup deadlines and financial accountability.
This bill creates a $50 million state fund to help municipalities revitalize vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed properties and convert them into affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents. It modifies foreclosure rules to allow certified mail notice instead of personal service for tax lien holders seeking to foreclose, speeding up the process while complying with due process requirements established by recent court rulings. The bill directly affects municipalities (which manage property revitalization), tax lien holders (like counties), and renters who benefit from new affordable housing. Key provisions include the dedicated funding for rehabilitation and revised procedures to reduce delays in repurposing properties, addressing New Jersey's shortage of over 200,000 affordable housing units.
S 2108 (New Jersey) increases protections for homeowners and bank account holders facing debt collection. It establishes a homestead exemption for primary residences (including condos and manufactured homes) up to the county median home price (capped at $600,000 for seniors/disabled residents) or $300,000 - whichever is higher - with automatic annual inflation adjustments. The bill also creates a new $300,000 exemption for bank accounts and allows cash proceeds from selling a homestead to remain protected for 18 months. These exemptions apply automatically without requiring paperwork and cover essential household goods, but exclude cases involving fraud or intentional misconduct. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents with debt who own a primary residence or maintain qualifying bank accounts.
S 1516, the "End Hedge Fund Control of New Jersey Homes Act," would impose a 50% tax on hedge funds managing $50 million or more in pooled investor assets when purchasing single-family or small multi-family homes (1-4 units) in New Jersey. It includes exemptions for properties used as primary residences, foreclosed homes, or those built with public funding, and sets annual ownership limits that gradually decrease over five years (e.g., hedge funds could own 90% of current holdings in year one, dropping to 50% by year five). The tax applies to acquisitions after the bill’s effective date, with the Division of Taxation requiring reporting to enforce compliance. This bill directly affects large investment entities managing residential property portfolios, not individual homeowners or small landlords.
This bill would create a New Jersey program providing up to $10,000 in matching grants to help eligible military members purchase homes. It directly affects members of the U.S. Armed Forces and New Jersey National Guard who served at least 90 days in Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, or Iraqi Freedom, are legal New Jersey residents, and plan to buy a primary residence in the state. The grants match the recipient's contribution dollar-for-dollar for closing costs or equity payments, with no income requirement (though priority would go to those eligible for other state housing programs). The program would be administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
