Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2659: Shortens timeframe for municipality to rehabilitate certain abandoned property.

This bill (S 2659) shortens the timeframe municipalities must wait before treating certain vacant properties as abandoned from six months to three months. It directly affects local governments (municipalities) and property owners of buildings that have been legally unoccupied for three months and meet specific criteria, such as needing rehabilitation, having unpaid taxes, or being declared a nuisance. Key provisions include reducing the vacancy period for abandonment determination, requiring municipalities to provide notice to owners before seeking control, and allowing faster rehabilitation efforts without owner action. This change streamlines how towns address neglected properties that require repair.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1219: Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers.

S 1219 requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create inspection procedures for mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and to establish certification programs for mold inspectors and abatement workers. The bill mandates that inspectors must complete training in mold identification, sampling methods, moisture detection, and relevant laws, while abatement workers must learn safe removal techniques, cleaning protocols, and protective measures. These certification programs, to be implemented within 12 months of the bill's effective date, will require ongoing education and allow DCA to enforce standards through fees, examinations, and penalties for violations. The law directly affects residential property owners, school districts, and professionals working in mold inspection and remediation.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 468: Establishes mortgage assistance program for benefit of certain low- and moderate-income homeowners; appropriates $200 million.

This bill establishes a $200 million mortgage assistance program for New Jersey homeowners with low or moderate incomes who face imminent risk of homelessness due to missed mortgage payments. It provides forgivable, zero-interest loans (called "deep," "moderate," "shallow," or "single" subsidies) to cover arrears, fees, and future payments after qualifying hardships like job loss, illness, or death of a family member. Homeowners must complete a counseling course, commit to living in the home as their primary residence for three years, and use the funds only for their principal residence to qualify for loan forgiveness. The program targets households earning 50% to 80% of the local median income who have experienced financial hardship causing mortgage delinquency.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness Homeownership Mortgages

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2723: Appropriates $125 million for creation of affordable housing to restore diversions from "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund."

This bill appropriates $125 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NJAHTF) to restore funds previously diverted for affordable housing. It directly affects municipalities that have certified compliance with fair share housing plans and housing elements, enabling them to access grants and loans for new affordable housing projects. The funds will support housing development in communities meeting state housing obligation requirements, as authorized under existing law. This is a funding restoration measure, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics State Budget Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2950: Provides CBT and GIT credits for completion of qualified residential housing projects at abandoned commercial building sites.

S 2950 creates tax credits for businesses that convert abandoned commercial buildings (defined as 100,000+ square feet) into residential housing. Developers qualify for a credit equal to 25% of eligible construction costs (up to $1 million per project), covering expenses like demolition, site cleanup, and building repurposing. The credit applies to both New Jersey’s Corporation Business Tax and Gross Income Tax. To claim it, businesses must complete the project before applying and submit documentation to the Division of Taxation. This policy directly affects developers redeveloping underutilized commercial sites into housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Historic Preservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2792: 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 (S 2792) proposes new rules for landlords and tenant protections in New Jersey. It requires landlords of multiple-unit properties to register with their municipality within 7 days of becoming a landlord, providing detailed owner contact information. The bill also mandates clearer tenant notifications about inspections and maintenance, and allows landlords to meet affordable housing requirements through rehabilitation projects instead of new construction. It directly affects landlords managing multi-unit buildings and tenants living in those properties.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Landlords Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3095: Prohibits residential landlord from imposing certain surcharges for rent payments.

This bill prohibits landlords from charging more than $5 per month for online rent payments, such as credit/debit card or digital transfer fees. Landlords must cover any fees exceeding $5 or reimburse tenants within 10 days, and provide itemized receipts showing compliance. It directly affects renters - especially low-income tenants, seniors, and disabled individuals - who often face these extra charges. The law aims to prevent exploitative costs while aligning with existing housing protections.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

passed · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 219: Establishes guidelines for creditworthiness determinations concerning affordable housing programs.

This bill bans landlords and housing programs from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking subsidized housing or units restricted to such households. Instead of relying on credit scores, it requires individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent based on income relative to rent (2x or 2.5x rent, depending on subsidy type). The law aims to prevent discriminatory rejections that disproportionately impact people of color, disabled individuals, and others facing systemic barriers.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2676: Requires certain local government community benefit agreements dedicate resources for affordable housing purposes.

This bill requires New Jersey counties and municipalities to dedicate at least 50% of cash payments exceeding $100,000 received through community benefits agreements to affordable housing. Community benefits agreements are binding deals between local governments and developers, where developers pay for community benefits (like housing or infrastructure) in exchange for project approval. The bill defines "affordable housing" as creating or rehabilitating low- or moderate-income housing, as specified in existing law. It applies only to agreements involving significant cash payments, ensuring a substantial portion directly supports housing needs within the community.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3226: Regulates institutional investor activities related to ownership of single-family homes, including purchase and lease; supports certain homebuyer assistance programs.

This bill regulates how large investment firms (defined as "institutional investors") can buy, own, or lease single-family homes in New Jersey. It requires these investors to register with the state's Community Affairs Commissioner and restricts them from purchasing homes that are actively listed for sale on public real estate databases. The bill explicitly excludes nonprofits focused on affordable housing, family trusts, and family-owned limited liability companies from these regulations. It also includes provisions to support existing homebuyer assistance programs, aiming to increase housing options for low- and moderate-income residents.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership

All housing bills