Housing (Renters) in New Jersey

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

A 489: Codifies and enhances use of breach of implied warranty of habitability as defense to certain eviction actions.

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 1744: Establishes confidentiality of landlord-tenant court records; addresses adverse actions on rental applications.

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 3290: Extends time period for tenants receiving federal housing choice voucher program assistance to locate new housing after landlord sells property.

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 1000: Allows gross income tax credits to certain renters whose rent exceeds 35 percent of gross income.

This New Jersey bill creates a refundable tax credit for renters whose rent exceeds 35% of their gross income. It directly affects low-to-moderate income residents (earning $60,000 or less annually) who live in their primary home and pay rent above that threshold. The credit amount varies: 100% of excess rent (up to $1,000) for those earning under $50,000 in high-cost areas or under $25,000 elsewhere; 75% for those earning $25,000-$60,000; and 50% for higher earners outside high-cost areas. The credit applies retroactively to the previous tax year, requiring eligible taxpayers to file amended returns within 90 days of the bill's enactment to claim it.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 199: Establishes expedited ejectment proceeding to remove certain unauthorized real property occupants.

This bill creates a faster court process to remove people occupying property without legal right, specifically targeting occupants who never paid rent, had no lease, and entered without the owner's consent. Property owners must certify in court that the occupant was never a tenant, never paid rent, and had no written permission to stay. If verified, courts must schedule a hearing within 3 business days and issue a writ of possession within 5 days, requiring immediate removal by court officers. Property owners who win such cases also receive triple damages for unlawful occupancy, while forging documents to manipulate the process is a criminal offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison. The bill directly affects property owners seeking to reclaim vacant properties and occupants facing removal under these strict criteria.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 3530: "Immigrant Tenant Protection Act"; provides certain protections to residential tenants and codifies certain warranty of habitability protections.

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.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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 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 Feb 19, 2026

A 4172: Provides gross income tax credit to certain totally and permanently disabled veterans for rent constituting property taxes.

This bill (A4172) creates a tax credit for New Jersey residents who are totally and permanently disabled veterans and pay rent for their primary residence. The credit equals rent payments that qualify as property taxes under existing law, reducing their gross income tax liability. To qualify, veterans must have a service-connected disability (e.g., paraplegia, blindness, or amputation) as certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also claim the credit during their widowhood/widowerhood. The credit applies to rental housing occupied as a principal residence and is processed through the state tax authority.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Renters Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1780: "New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Act"; provides rental assistance and case management services for certain young adults leaving foster care or kinship care; appropriates $10 million.

The New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Act (S 1780) provides rental assistance and case management services to young adults aged 18-26 who have been in foster care or kinship care and are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. The bill establishes a voucher program administered by the Department of Community Affairs, offering rental assistance comparable to the state’s existing rental assistance program and requiring participants to engage with approved case management agencies. To qualify, applicants must reside in New Jersey, meet moderate-income guidelines, and voluntarily agree to case management services. The program is funded with a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund, effective immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Homelessness Renters

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