This bill extends the annual deadline for New Jersey residents to apply for three property tax relief programs from October 31 to December 31. The programs affected are ANCHOR, the homestead property tax reimbursement, and Stay NJ, which help homeowners and renters manage property tax costs. The change applies to the single combined application form that residents must submit to the Division of Taxation each year. By moving the filing date, the legislation provides taxpayers with additional time to complete and submit their requests for financial assistance.
This bill allows homeowners in New Jersey whose primary residences are located in Governor-declared disaster areas to pause their mortgage payments for up to 180 days. To qualify, a borrower must request this forbearance from their lender, who is required to approve the request within 15 business days. During the pause period, lenders cannot charge penalties, fees, or interest, and borrowers have the option to extend the pause for another 180 days. After the forbearance ends, the missed payments must be repaid through loan extension, loan modification, or a deferred payment due at the end of the loan term.
This bill requires landlords in New Jersey municipalities with rent control ordinances to file detailed compliance forms with local clerks and mandates that these records be made publicly available online. It establishes a new digital system managed by the Department of Community Affairs to store and search these records, while also providing grants to help towns digitize existing paperwork. To enforce these rules, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that rent control applies if records are missing and imposes a $150 penalty for knowingly submitting false information. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $2 million to fund the creation of this online system and to assist municipalities with record digitization.
This bill prohibits insurance companies in New Jersey from using a homeowner's credit history to set premiums, deny coverage, or determine policy terms. Specifically, it bars insurers from raising rates, canceling policies, or offering different discounts based on an applicant's credit score or payment plans. The law applies to all homeowners and prospective policyholders, ensuring that financial creditworthiness cannot influence their insurance costs. If passed, the measure would take effect 90 days after enactment, removing credit-based insurance scores from the evaluation process for home insurance.
This bill requires owners of multiple dwelling buildings in New Jersey to notify tenants and tenant associations before certain sales, such as those involving mortgages or short sales. It grants tenant associations the right to purchase the building if at least 51% of the occupied units are represented by the association. If a tenant association decides to buy the property, they can use a designated nonprofit, housing authority, or a joint venture to secure the financing and ensure the building remains affordable. The law defines specific terms like "multiple dwelling" and "inclusionary development" to clarify which properties and housing outcomes are covered.
This bill requires specific New Jersey housing assistance offices to provide voter registration forms to the public. It directly affects agencies within the Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency that help people obtain housing vouchers, rental housing, or mortgage loans. By adding these offices to the list of "public agencies" mandated by state law, the measure ensures that individuals seeking housing support can access registration materials at their point of contact. The legislation also updates the text to reflect that the Secretary of State, rather than the Attorney General, oversees election administration.
This bill creates the Housing Placement for Survivors Program within the Department of Children and Families to help domestic violence survivors find temporary housing. It encourages landlords and hotel owners to offer reduced rental rates to survivors by allowing them to claim a state tax credit for the portion of costs they waive. The program defines specific terms for eligible housing, such as requiring a discount of at least 30 percent for stays between 30 and 180 days, and limits the total annual tax credits to $15 million. By providing financial incentives, the legislation aims to increase the availability of safe, short-term accommodations for individuals fleeing domestic violence.
This bill creates a new Office of Interagency Cooperation within the Department of Community Affairs to improve local code enforcement across New Jersey. The office will be overseen by a board appointed by state leaders and will have the authority to form special "strike teams" in municipalities facing severe or repeated code violations. These teams will consist of state, municipal, and public health officials working together to inspect buildings with acute complaints. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a data-sharing dashboard to track repeat violators and allows the office to share information with local governments to target enforcement efforts.
This bill authorizes the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to provide reimbursements to qualified counselors for offering pre-purchase homebuyer counseling services. The legislation expands the existing Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program, which currently funds counselors who help homeowners facing foreclosure or mortgage difficulties, to also include those assisting potential homebuyers before they purchase a property. By creating a dedicated funding account, the bill ensures that these counselors can receive payment for their work in providing early intervention education aimed at preventing future mortgage delinquency and foreclosure. This change directly affects homeowners and renters seeking guidance on buying a home as well as the counseling agencies that deliver these services.
This bill creates the Whole-Home Repairs Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to provide financial assistance for home improvements. It targets low-income homeowners and small landlords by offering grants to owners and forgivable loans to landlords who agree to limit rent increases for at least two years. The program specifically funds repairs for accessibility, safety, energy efficiency, and weatherization, with priority given to seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing immediate health risks. A total of $25 million is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support these efforts while ensuring that construction work pays prevailing wages.