Housing

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

A 3754: Clarifies and expands landlord registration procedures; creates certain rights for tenants; makes certain changes concerning tenant notifications, inspections, and maintenance in multiple dwellings; permits percentage of affordable housing obligation to be satisfied by certain rehabilitation projects.

This bill establishes the "Landlord Registration and Tenant Protection Act" to update New Jersey's landlord registration system and strengthen tenant protections. Landlords (including owners of condos, cooperatives, and multi-unit buildings) must register with local authorities within seven days of taking ownership, providing detailed contact information like names, addresses, and phone numbers. It creates new tenant rights regarding advance notice for inspections, maintenance requests, and repairs, while also allowing landlords to meet affordable housing requirements through rehabilitation projects instead of new construction. The law directly affects landlords managing rental properties and their tenants in multiple-dwelling buildings across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tenant rights for inspections/maintenance and allows rehab projects to satisfy affordable housing obligations, strengthening protections and expanding access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Landlords Tenant Rights

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

A 3310: Establishes Statewide residency preference for affordable housing.

This bill (A 3310) requires New Jersey municipalities and developers to give priority for renting or selling low- and moderate-income housing units to households with at least one New Jersey resident. It mandates that this residency preference begins on the first day a household establishes New Jersey residency, with no minimum residency duration required. The policy applies specifically to housing programs under the Fair Housing Act (P.L.1985, c.222) and aims to ensure affordable housing units are accessible to state residents. The bill takes effect five months after enactment, with the Commissioner of Community Affairs permitted to take early steps to implement it.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates residency preference for NJ residents in affordable housing units, directly advancing access to low/moderate-income housing under Fair Housing Act programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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

A 3326: Makes use of algorithmic systems to influence price and supply of residential rental units unlawful.

This bill prohibits landlords and property management software companies from using algorithmic systems to coordinate rental prices across multiple properties. It defines a "coordinator" as any entity operating software that collects price data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends rental rates or occupancy levels. The law makes it unlawful for landlords to subscribe to such services or for coordinators to facilitate price-fixing agreements that reduce competition. The bill addresses New Jersey's affordable housing crisis, where median rents for three-bedroom apartments rose 35% from 2021-2024 and over half of renters spend more than 30% of income on rent.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans algorithmic price coordination by landlords/software, preventing coordinated rent hikes that harm tenants and reduce competition, strengthening tenant protections and affordability.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits algorithmic systems used for rental price coordination, restricting a specific technology application to prevent anti-competitive practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4266: Provides tax credit to developers for affordable housing projects in certain neighborhoods.

This bill provides tax credits to developers who build affordable housing projects in designated "distressed neighborhoods" - specifically census tracts within municipalities facing economic hardship where median family income is below 80% of the statewide average. The tax credit applies to qualifying projects in these areas, as defined by the bill's amendments to existing law. Developers must meet specific affordability requirements and operate within neighborhoods identified as needing economic development assistance. The policy directly affects housing developers and aims to incentivize affordable housing construction in targeted communities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits to developers for affordable housing in distressed neighborhoods, offering tax relief for lower-income housing initiatives as a targeted fiscal policy.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits to developers building affordable housing in distressed neighborhoods, directly increasing housing supply and targeting economic hardship areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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

A 1247: Increases maximum municipal percentage of affordable fair share housing satisfied by age-restricted units to 50 percent.

This bill increases the maximum percentage of a municipality's affordable housing requirement that can be met with age-restricted housing units from 25% to 50%. It directly affects New Jersey municipalities obligated to provide affordable housing under state law. The key provision changes the allowable limit for age-restricted units without altering the overall housing obligation. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases allowable age-restricted units for affordable housing compliance (25%→50%), facilitating municipalities to meet housing obligations without reducing overall requirements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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

A 2299: Prohibits use and sale of algorithmic devices for setting rent price or occupancy of residential dwelling units.

This bill prohibits landlords and software sellers from using or providing algorithmic devices that set, recommend, or advise on rents or occupancy rates for residential properties in New Jersey. It directly affects landlords (including large corporate owners) and companies that develop or sell such software, banning tools that analyze non-public competitor data to influence pricing. The law defines "algorithmic device" to exclude software using public data or affordable housing program guidelines, ensuring it doesn’t restrict standard rent-setting practices. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with the Attorney General able to seek damages or injunctions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans algorithmic rent-setting tools that could lead to unfair pricing, strengthening tenant protections in housing policy.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly prohibits algorithmic devices for rent pricing, restricting a specific technology application in housing markets.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Landlords Renters

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

A 2627: Prohibits residential landlord from imposing certain surcharges for rent payments.

This New Jersey bill (A 2627) prohibits landlords from charging tenants more than $5 per month for using digital payment methods (like credit cards or online platforms) to pay rent. It directly affects renters - especially fixed-income tenants, seniors, and low-wage earners - who often face cumulative fees of hundreds of dollars annually. Landlords must cover any fees exceeding $5 per payment or reimburse tenants within 10 days, and provide itemized receipts showing compliance. Violations trigger penalties under existing housing laws, including potential consumer fraud claims.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord surcharges >$5 for digital rent payments, protecting low-income tenants from annual fees and strengthening tenant affordability and rights.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCaps digital payment fees for rent, reducing financial barriers for low-income tenants using digital services, aligning with digital equity promotion.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3533: Establishes "Household Water Assistance Program"; appropriates $75 million.

S 3533 establishes the "Household Water Assistance Program" with $75 million in funding to help low-income New Jersey households pay for water, sewer, and stormwater utility costs. It targets households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, those receiving benefits like SNAP or SSI, or those facing temporary financial hardship (e.g., job loss or medical expenses). The program prevents disconnections for nonpayment and restores service for households already disconnected due to unpaid bills. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs, it directly supports vulnerable households struggling with essential water service costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $75M for water assistance to low-income households, directly funding essential public service per Budget & Taxes criteria.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds utility assistance for low-income households to prevent disconnections, supporting housing stability and tenant protections.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentTargets households facing job loss (unemployment hardship), providing financial stability during employment disruption85% confidence

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

A 3479: Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

This New Jersey bill provides temporary mortgage relief to homeowners directly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 flooding. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year payment pause (forbearance) to eligible homeowners who received federal disaster aid for storm-damaged primary residences, meet income limits (under 150% of median income), and have limited savings. During this period, servicers cannot charge fees, penalties, or report negative credit information, and must halt foreclosure actions. The relief applies only to those who obtained FEMA or similar federal assistance for damage sustained to their homes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides foreclosure protection and mortgage relief for disaster-affected homeowners, preventing displacement and strengthening housing stability for vulnerable residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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

A 1476: Establishes procedures for sale of certain State-owned properties used by agencies or organizations providing housing to adults with developmental disabilities.

This bill allows nonprofit agencies providing housing for adults with developmental disabilities to pay only 50% of liens when selling State-owned properties they've used for at least 10 years. It requires the state to transfer all sale proceeds directly to these agencies, rather than keeping them. Agencies must use the funds exclusively to buy new housing properties, renovate existing ones, or improve services for residents. This removes current financial barriers where agencies had to return all sale money to the state and pay full liens, hindering housing expansion.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces financial barriers for nonprofits providing housing to adults with developmental disabilities, directs sale proceeds to fund new housing/renovations/services, explicitly advancing affordable housing development for vulnerable population.95% confidence

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