Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1816: Requires Division of Purchase and Property to issue annual report on State-owned underutilized real property with potential for other uses.

S 1816 requires New Jersey's Division of Purchase and Property to create an annual report on state-owned properties that are underutilized (not fully used for their current purpose). The Division must inventory all such state-owned land - including property owned by agencies or authorities - and analyze its potential for redevelopment, including uses like affordable housing, homeless services, or health services for low/moderate-income residents. This report must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 13 months of the bill's effective date, then updated annually, with the report posted online. The bill directly affects the Division of Purchase and Property and state agencies managing property, but does not mandate specific actions - only requires the annual analysis and reporting.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Homelessness

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2909: Prohibits sewerage authorities, municipal authorities, and local units of government from charging interest on unpaid sewer fees and charges attributable to State or local entities, including housing authorities.

This bill prohibits sewerage authorities from charging interest on unpaid sewer fees for properties owned by the State, local governments, or their agencies (including housing authorities). It amends existing law to explicitly exclude these entities from interest charges that previously applied to unpaid sewer service fees. The key change removes the 1.5% monthly interest rate and lien rights for these properties, while maintaining standard collection procedures for other property owners. The policy directly affects state/local government entities and housing authorities that pay sewer fees for their properties.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1824: "New Jersey Neighborhood Homes Investment Act"; establishes gross income tax credit for certain residential development.

This bill creates a tax credit for developers building or renovating affordable housing in New Jersey. It directly affects project sponsors (developers) who construct or substantially renovate qualifying homes sold at affordable prices to eligible homeowners earning 140% or less of the state's median household income. The credit equals the difference between reasonable development costs and the affordable sale price, capped at 35% of development costs or 80% of the state's median new home price. To qualify, projects must be in designated census tracts and certified by the New Jersey Housing Agency, with homes sold as primary residences.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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 ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tenant Rights Zoning

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 ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights Tags Seniors

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 & Taxes ✓ Housing

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2904: Directs Division of Consumer Affairs to establish public information campaign concerning real estate rental scams.

S 2904 requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to create a public education campaign about real estate rental scams, directly affecting renters and potential renters in the state. The campaign will provide multilingual resources (in English and Spanish) via the division's website, brochures, and pamphlets, explaining how to recognize scams like fake listings or fraudulent requests for upfront payments. It also mandates a toll-free phone number for consumers to verify landlords, agents, or rental properties. The bill focuses on preventing financial harm by educating the public on common scam tactics, such as demands for wire transfers or showing properties before signing leases.

Topics ✓ Housing

introduced · New Jersey · Senate

SCR 73: Proposes constitutional amendment to provide that only Legislature may determine affordable housing obligations.

SCR 73 proposes a constitutional amendment to give the New Jersey Legislature exclusive authority over determining the state's affordable housing needs, the methods for fulfilling those needs, and penalties for noncompliance. Currently, courts (under the Mount Laurel doctrine) have played a role in setting affordable housing obligations for municipalities. If approved by voters, this amendment would shift decision-making power from the judiciary to the Legislature, removing judicial oversight of affordable housing requirements. The proposal must be submitted to voters at the next general election following legislative approval.

Topics ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3078: Authorizes certain real property transfers without certain municipal transfer approvals and water testing.

This bill exempts properties transferred through involuntary means (like foreclosures, tax sales, or sheriff sales) from requiring municipal approvals or water testing before or after the transfer. Property owners acquiring such properties are exempt from local building, zoning, and occupancy rules for 90 days after the transfer or until they regain possession through court action. For voluntary sales, it requires temporary 90-day approvals if sellers and buyers certify the property is unoccupied and commit to addressing violations within that period. The bill preempts conflicting local ordinances and waives water testing requirements specifically for involuntary transfers, while allowing municipalities to still address code violations.

Topics ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Taxes Zoning

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1810: Establishes "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to be administered by Office of Planning Advocacy in Department of State and DOT; appropriates $25 million.

This bill establishes the "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to support municipalities in developing walkable, mixed-use communities centered around public transit hubs. It targets distressed municipalities (score 50+ on revitalization index) already designated as "transit villages" by the Department of Transportation. Key provisions include requiring 50+ housing units per acre within 1/4 mile of transit and 25+ units per acre beyond that, alongside technical assistance for zoning changes, infrastructure upgrades, and promoting pedestrian/bike access. The program, administered by the Office of Planning Advocacy (Department of State) and DOT, is funded with $25 million in state appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Zoning Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

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