Housing (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 ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates receipts for cash rent payments, enhancing tenant transparency and protection against payment disputes per tenant rights indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 1607: Creates the "Mold Safe Housing Act."

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates landlord action on health-hazard mold, protects tenants via investigation deadlines and relocation assistance, strengthening tenant rights in housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 388: Requires owners of certain multiple dwellings of three or more floors to provide priority status to senior citizens and disabled residents moving to lower floors.

This bill requires owners of multi-unit buildings with three or more floors (excluding cooperatives, condos, or certain common-interest properties) to give priority to senior citizens or disabled residents who want to move to a lower floor within the same building, maintaining the same bedroom count. Qualifying residents get first refusal over new applicants and other residents seeking lower-floor units. Owners must post a sign explaining this priority policy, and existing affordability or income restrictions remain in place. The law applies only to non-exempt buildings and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires priority for seniors/disabled in lower-floor moves, strengthening tenant protections for accessibility needs within existing housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Tags People with Disabilities Seniors

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3096: Establishes Rent Control Enforcement Unit in DCA; authorizes residential tenant to petition for review of alleged violation of local rent restriction.

This bill establishes a new Rent Control Enforcement Unit (RCEU) within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to enforce local rent control laws. It directly affects residential tenants in municipalities with rent restrictions (such as rent stabilization ordinances) and landlords who may face violations. Tenants can petition the RCEU to investigate and challenge rent increases they believe violate local rules, and the unit can order rent reductions, impose fines up to four months' rent, or allow lease termination. The RCEU will also operate a dedicated helpline and online portal for tenant reporting.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates Rent Control Enforcement Unit enabling tenants to challenge illegal rent increases, strengthening tenant protections under rent control laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2666: Requires landlords to provide tenants with certain notice concerning conditions that may cause damage or hazards on rental property.

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to notify tenants of adjacent construction hazards, strengthening tenant protections against property-related risks.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Landlords Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3049: Allows certain senior citizens to apply for rent increase limit.

This bill, the "Senior Citizen Tenant Protection Act," would allow renters aged 55 or older who live in the same rental unit for at least 10 years to apply for rent increase limits. To qualify, applicants must have an annual income under $80,000 (adjusted annually), not use federal or state housing assistance, and reside in non-public housing. If approved, landlords could only raise rent by an amount tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), not exceeding the current rent multiplied by an annual CPI-based rate factor. Landlords may request waivers for financial hardship, but the rent cap would remain in effect unless a waiver is granted.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCaps rent increases for qualifying seniors at CPI, protecting tenant rights and preventing displacement in affordable housing by limiting excessive hikes for vulnerable residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights Tags Seniors

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1602: Establishes disabled veteran tenant gross income tax credit.

This bill creates a tax credit for disabled veterans who rent their primary residence (homestead), allowing them to claim a credit of up to $1,000 annually for the portion of their rent that covers property taxes. The credit applies to rent paid for residential rental units where the disabled veteran occupies the home as their primary residence, based on 18% of rent being considered equivalent to property taxes. Married disabled veterans filing separately can each claim half the credit, while those sharing the home with others (not their spouse) can only claim the credit for the rent they personally paid. The credit is nonrefundable, cannot reduce taxes below zero, and works alongside an existing $50 credit for older or disabled renters. The bill is pending in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee as of its introduction date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for disabled veterans renting, providing direct tax relief to lower-income renters. Matches 'support' criteria of tax relief for middle/lower income.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides tax credit to disabled veterans renting homes, reducing housing costs for a vulnerable group, aligning with affordable housing support90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates tax credit for disabled veterans' housing costs, expanding financial benefits for a specific veteran subgroup through direct tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 223: Enhances penalties upon certain violators of housing codes.

This bill increases penalties for housing code violations by raising maximum fines for repeat or severe offenses. Property owners who repeatedly violate housing or zoning codes face additional fines (up to $4,000 total), and municipalities must now give owners 30 days to fix issues before imposing fines exceeding $1,250, plus a hearing opportunity. It amends existing law to set minimum fines of $10 for ongoing violations and requires courts to consider prior offenses when sentencing. The changes directly affect property owners in New Jersey municipalities enforcing housing codes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enforces housing code compliance via stricter penalties, indirectly protecting tenants by ensuring safer housing conditions through mandatory repairs and higher fines for violations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tenant Rights Zoning

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 433: Establishes limit on rent increase for senior citizen tenants of certain properties financed with assistance from HMFA.

This bill limits annual rent increases for senior tenants (62+ years old) living in rental housing funded by New Jersey's Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). It caps rent hikes at the greater of 2% or the local cost-of-living adjustment (based on the Consumer Price Index), preventing increases that outpace fixed incomes. The law applies specifically to "covered dwelling units" (rental units in HMFA-funded properties rented to seniors as their primary residence) and exempts duplexes where landlords live in one unit and existing affordable housing agreements. Tenants can seek legal remedies if landlords violate the cap, including $500 for first offenses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCaps rent increases for seniors in HMFA-funded housing to 2% or local CPI, protecting fixed-income tenants from unaffordable hikes per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights Tags Seniors

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 1821: Allows gross income tax credits to certain renters whose rent exceeds 35 percent of gross income.

This bill creates a refundable tax credit for New Jersey renters whose rent exceeds 35% of their gross income. It directly affects low-to-moderate income residents (earning under $60,000 annually) living in the state, with credit amounts based on income level and location: up to 100% of excess rent for those earning under $25,000 (or under $50,000 in high-cost areas), 75% for middle-income renters, and 50% for higher-income renters in non-high-cost areas. The credit, capped at $1,000 per year, is applied against state income tax and can be claimed retroactively for the previous tax year. Renters receiving federal or state housing subsidies instead receive a credit equal to 1/12 of their unsubsidized rent.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides refundable tax credits to low-income renters, reducing their tax burden and offering fiscal relief for vulnerable residents under budget & taxes policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides refundable tax credits to low-income renters paying >35% of income on rent, directly increasing housing affordability for vulnerable residents.95% confidence

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

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