Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 1155: Establishes matching grant program in DCA to support community-based nonprofit organizations that provide shelter services during Code Blue alerts.

This bill creates the Code Blue Shelter Matching Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA). It provides matching grants to community-based nonprofits (with 501(c)(3) status) that offer shelter during Code Blue alerts - extreme cold weather emergencies - by matching funds they received from counties or municipalities within the past year. To qualify, nonprofits must submit detailed applications about their finances, the source grant amount, and how funds will be used, with DCA awarding grants in order of receipt and capping total matching funds per county/municipality at $50,000 annually. The program requires a three-year effectiveness report to the Governor and Legislature on how well it addresses shelter needs for homeless and at-risk individuals.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 810: Authorizes outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs to make housing available under certain circumstances.

This bill authorizes licensed outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs in New Jersey to provide housing to patients receiving treatment, specifically for individuals needing both services. Programs must offer housing through a separate contract requiring patients to acknowledge repayment of housing subsidies, and must inform patients that housing and treatment are independent services not contingent on each other. The bill maintains existing criminal penalties for programs accepting payment for patient referrals while allowing treatment programs to own, lease, or manage housing units under state zoning and safety regulations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Zoning

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 451: Establishes "Forbidding the Algorithmic Inflation of Rent (FAIR) Act." *

This bill (S 451) prohibits landlords and property management software from using algorithmic systems to coordinate rental pricing and supply, which the legislature states has contributed to New Jersey's housing affordability crisis. It defines a "coordinator" as any service (including software) that collects pricing data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends rental prices or lease terms - effectively enabling price-fixing. Landlords are banned from subscribing to such services, and coordinators are prohibited from facilitating agreements that restrict competition among rental property owners. The law directly affects landlords, property management companies, and software providers operating in New Jersey's rental market, aiming to increase price competition and reduce rent burdens for renters.

Topics ✓ Housing ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 1759: Increases amount of rental payments defined as rent constituting property taxes for purposes of deduction from gross income for property tax payments; increases property tax credit option for certain individuals.

S 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Income Tax Property Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1210: Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

S 1210 protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking from housing discrimination by prohibiting landlords from terminating tenancies, refusing lease renewals, or denying rentals based on their victim status. Landlords must accept documentation like restraining orders, medical records, or certifications from domestic violence specialists to verify a tenant’s status. Victims can sue landlords who violate this law for damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies broadly to residential rentals but does not prevent evictions for other valid reasons, such as unpaid rent or property damage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Domestic Violence Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 661: Increases FY2024 appropriation from General Fund to DCF for the Center for Great Expectations by $1.5 million from $500,000 to $2.0 million.

This bill increases state funding by $1.5 million for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerset, raising its FY2024 appropriation from $500,000 to $2.0 million. The Center provides safe housing and support services to over 1,000 individuals annually, including homeless or economically marginalized people, pregnant or parenting individuals, and those with mental health or substance use challenges. The additional funds will directly support three key programs: the state's only residential program for adolescents with mental health disorders, an adult residential program for pregnant women, and outpatient mental health/substance abuse services. The bill amends the state's annual budget to adjust the funding line for this specific program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2118: Revises criteria to establish base year for homestead property tax reimbursement after relocation.

This bill changes how the "base year" is calculated for New Jersey homeowners who relocate and qualify for homestead property tax reimbursements. It revises the rule so that when an eligible homeowner moves to a new primary residence, their base year (used to calculate tax refunds) becomes the first full tax year before the move - **but only for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2010**. This affects elderly or disabled homeowners who move within the state and meet income and residency requirements. The key change prevents the new base year rule from applying to tax years before 2010, maintaining the prior calculation for earlier relocations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 258: Prohibits late penalties from being made against senior citizen tenants in certain senior citizen rental housing in certain circumstances.

S 258 requires landlords of public housing for seniors to waive late fees for tenants who are hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility. It mandates that landlords accept written proof of hospitalization to eliminate late charges during the stay and for five business days after discharge. Tenants remain responsible for rent due before lease termination, and the grace period doesn’t apply if they’re immediately admitted to another facility without returning home. Violations carry fines up to $500, enforced by the Attorney General. This bill directly affects seniors aged 62+ (or surviving spouses 55+) in subsidized senior housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights Tags Seniors

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2791: Establishes the "Safe Sanitary Subsidized Rental Housing Bill of Rights."

This bill establishes minimum safety and sanitation standards for rental properties receiving federal subsidies (like Section 8 housing) in New Jersey. It requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions - such as working heat, plumbing, and pest control - and mandates that courts notify housing inspectors within two days if a tenant reports violations in subsidized units. Inspectors must assess the property within 10 days, with fees paid by the landlord if violations are found (e.g., lack of heat or structural hazards). Landlords must also register with local authorities, providing detailed contact information for emergencies and tenant communications. The bill directly affects subsidized landlords and tenants, ensuring taxpayer-funded housing meets health and safety codes.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 220: Establishes standards for expiration of rental housing affordability controls.

S 220 establishes rules for when rental affordability controls expire on restricted housing units in New Jersey. It requires landlords to notify tenants 120 days before expiration and mandates income verification (based on 80% of regional median income) 90-180 days prior to determine if rent increases are permitted. If tenants remain at or below the income threshold after expiration, landlords cannot raise rents above affordability levels until the tenant moves out; if income exceeds the threshold, landlords may charge market rate at the next lease renewal or 60 days later. The bill also requires leases to prominently display expiration dates and potential rent changes. This bill applies directly to landlords of affordable housing units and their qualifying tenants.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

All housing bills