Housing (Renters) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 4047: Concerns housing discrimination based on source of lawful income.

This bill amends New Jersey's anti-discrimination laws to explicitly prohibit housing discrimination based on the source of a person's lawful income used for rent or mortgage payments. It directly affects landlords, property managers, and other housing providers by adding "source of lawful income" to the list of protected characteristics alongside race, disability, and other existing categories. The legislation requires housing providers to treat applicants fairly regardless of where their income comes from, as long as it is legally earned. This change expands existing civil rights protections to ensure people cannot be denied housing solely because of how they earn their money.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mortgages Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4674: Revises criteria to establish base year for homestead property tax reimbursement after relocation.

This bill updates the rules for determining the base year used to calculate homestead property tax reimbursements for eligible New Jersey residents who relocate. It directly affects seniors and disabled individuals who own or rent their primary residence and meet specific income requirements. The key change clarifies that when an eligible claimant moves to a new home, the base year for tax reimbursement calculations will be the first full tax year before they live in the new property, with exceptions for new construction and continuity for those who previously received the credit. The legislation also maintains existing eligibility criteria regarding age, disability status, and income limits while preserving the base year for those already receiving the Stay NJ property tax credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4726: Prohibits fee for keeping emotional support animal in residential rental property.

This bill prohibits landlords in New Jersey from charging tenants additional fees, rent increases, or security deposits related to keeping an emotional support animal in residential rental properties. It applies to most rental situations but excludes owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, and requires tenants to provide health provider documentation about their emotional support animal at lease signing. The law also establishes legal penalties for landlords who violate these rules, allowing tenants to seek $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees in court.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homeownership Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3995: Permits tenant to make rent payment into escrow account in event of persisting serious hazard in dwelling unit or to make repairs and deduct cost from future rent.

This bill allows tenants in New Jersey to pay rent into an escrow account or make repairs themselves and deduct costs from future rent when serious hazards like mold, broken heating, or unsafe stairs persist in their homes. Tenants must first notify their landlord and allow a reasonable time for repairs before using these options. The law protects tenants from eviction if they withhold rent for these specific safety issues or deduct repair costs up to four months' worth of rent.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3999: Prohibits photo identification requirement for residential rental application.

This bill prohibits landlords, their agents, and third-party screening vendors in New Jersey from requiring photo identification as part of a residential rental application or making approval contingent on providing such ID. It directly affects prospective tenants seeking to rent apartments and the property management companies or brokers they interact with. The law classifies violations as unlawful practices under state consumer fraud statutes, allowing tenants to sue for $1,000 per offense plus attorney fees. The restrictions apply to all rental applications for units leased for at least one month, excluding owner-occupied properties with three or fewer units and transient lodging like hotels.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3765: Requires DHS to request approval from federal government to provide rental assistance benefits to certain NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to seek federal approval to offer rental assistance to specific NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries for up to six months. The program would target individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of emergency shelters and who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder. If approved, the state would issue financial assistance vouchers or subsidies directly to housing providers to help eligible recipients secure or maintain housing. The bill also requires the state to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the program once federal permission is granted.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness Renters

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3998: Requires senior housing applications be made available by mail and email.

This bill requires senior housing providers in New Jersey to make application forms available by mail or email upon request from prospective residents. It directly affects organizations that rent, lease, sell, or resell age-restricted dwelling units, ensuring they provide copies of required forms in the format requested by applicants. The legislation also directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create necessary rules to implement these requirements. This change aims to improve accessibility for seniors who may not have easy access to online applications or in-person collection methods.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Renters Tags Seniors

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3543: Increases annual property tax deduction for senior citizens and disabled persons from $250 to $500.

This bill would increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible seniors and disabled residents from $250 to $500, effective starting in tax year 2031. It applies to residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled individuals with an annual income under $10,000 who own or rent their primary residence. The deduction amount would gradually rise to $500 over several years (reaching $300 in 2027, $350 in 2028, etc.). The change requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before taking effect, as stated in Section 2 of the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters

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

A 751: Establishes Statewide limitation on rent increases.

This bill would limit annual rent increases for most New Jersey rental units to 5% plus the local cost-of-living change (capped at 10% total). It directly affects landlords and tenants in standard residential properties across the state, excluding new constructions (within 15 years), affordable housing units, dormitories, and certain single-family homes. Key exemptions include properties with deed restrictions for low-income housing, university dorms, and duplexes where the landlord lives in one unit. The law would require landlords to comply with this cap for all rent increases after the initial lease, with tenants able to use violations as a defense in eviction cases.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4444: Concerns exemptions to municipal rent control and rent leveling ordinances.

This bill clarifies rules for exemptions from municipal rent control in New Jersey. It specifies that only the original developer who built new rental units with initial mortgage financing can claim an exemption, and only if filed before construction completion. The exemption period is limited to the initial mortgage term, and subsequent owners cannot restart the exemption if the original filing wasn't made. This directly affects developers, landlords of new multi-dwelling properties, and municipalities enforcing rent control ordinances.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mortgages Renters Tenant Rights

All housing bills