Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4359: Establishes certain water and wastewater utility shutoff protections for tenants.

This bill protects tenants in New Jersey from having their water or wastewater service shut off due to unpaid bills by the property owner. It requires utility companies to give tenants 30 days of written notice before any service interruption and prohibits shutting off service if the tenant is not the official bill payer or lives in a multi-unit building with a single water connection. Under this law, utility companies must pursue outstanding payments from the property owner rather than the tenant, and the owner cannot legally charge the tenant for these past debts. The bill applies to both municipal water utilities and public utilities serving residential rental properties across the state.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4885: Creates position in State veterans service offices to address certain veteran concerns.

This bill creates a new position in every New Jersey veterans service office to help veterans access state programs for unemployment, homelessness, and suicide prevention. The appointed individual must be a local veteran who will work full-time alongside the existing service officer to address these specific concerns. The role includes a salary set by the commissioner and allows for additional tasks as long as they do not interfere with the primary duties.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Homelessness Veteran Employment Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5172: Requires owner of transient accommodation to be present at transient accommodation during short-term rental; establishes short-term rental agreement limit.

This New Jersey bill requires owners of short-term rentals to be physically present at their property during guest stays unless the visit lasts longer than 30 days or a written agreement states otherwise. It also mandates that each rental unit can only have one active short-term booking at any given time. Owners who fail to follow these rules face a $1,000 fine for each violation, which can be enforced through a local court. The law applies to various types of private homes and managed units but excludes hotels, schools, hospitals, and long-term leases of 90 days or more.

Topics ✗ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4127: Establishes New Jersey Student Emergency Aid Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

This bill creates the New Jersey Student Emergency Aid Program to provide one-time financial grants to undergraduate students at public colleges and universities facing unexpected crises. The program covers essential living expenses such as food, housing, and childcare, but explicitly excludes payment for tuition, fees, or student loans. A new revolving fund will be established to manage these grants, initially seeded with $1.5 million from the state's general fund. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will set specific rules for eligibility and distribution, while colleges must report annually on how the aid is used and its impact on student retention.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics State Budget Early Childhood Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4158: Requires licensure of community management entity that contracts to conduct management services for planned real estate development association.

This bill requires community management entities in New Jersey to obtain a license before contracting to manage planned real estate developments, such as condominiums and homeowners' associations. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must create a licensing system that includes specific experience requirements and will enforce the rule by prohibiting unlicensed entities from signing new management contracts. Violations of this requirement could result in penalties of up to $4,000 for each contract entered into without a license. The legislation also directs the commissioner to adopt necessary regulations within seven months of enactment.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4247: Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to investigate allegations of excessive or discriminatory rent setting on affordable housing.

This bill requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to investigate complaints alleging that affordable housing rents are set excessively or discriminatorily. It defines excessive rent as charges that exceed legal limits, increase by more than 10 percent without justification, or conflict with approved rent schedules, and allows tenants or housing officials to report such issues. Upon receiving a complaint, the Division must investigate within 30 days and issue a determination within 90 days, while owners found guilty face escalating civil penalties and must provide restitution to affected tenants. The legislation also prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who file complaints and mandates the Division to submit an annual report on enforcement actions to state leaders.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4884: Establishes "Veterans Helping Veterans" program in DVA.

This bill creates a new housing assistance initiative called the "Veterans Helping Veterans" program within the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. The program aims to connect homeless veterans with other veterans who volunteer to provide them with housing, using a vetting and incentive system similar to the state's foster care program. Key provisions require the department to establish clear application processes, eligibility criteria for both those seeking and providing housing, and rules for monitoring participant compliance. Additionally, the bill authorizes the department to seek external funding and mandates that implementing regulations be adopted within 90 days of enactment.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Homelessness Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4952: Establishes registration requirement for mold inspection and remediation contractors.

This bill requires contractors who inspect or remove mold from buildings in New Jersey to register with the state. It defines these professionals as anyone performing mold inspection, cleanup, or abatement work and mandates their inclusion in the existing home improvement contractor registration system. The legislation clarifies specific terms such as "mold," "remediation," and "residential property" to ensure clear standards for who must comply. By updating the state's home improvement laws, the bill aims to create a formal registry for workers handling mold hazards in homes and other residential structures.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4172: Enhances oversight of enforcement of municipal rent control and rent leveling ordinances; establishes Rental Control Ombudsman in DCA; appropriates $4 million.

This bill strengthens enforcement of local rent control laws in New Jersey by creating a new Rent Control Ombudsman within the Department of Community Affairs and providing $4 million in funding. It requires municipalities with rent control ordinances to establish clear complaint procedures and strict response timelines, while also allowing tenants to sue in court if their complaints are ignored for over 30 days. Additionally, the law authorizes the Attorney General to intervene and appoint a special master if a city shows a pattern of willful non-enforcement, and it permits tenant groups to represent multiple residents in legal actions.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4938: Authorizes municipality to meet affordable housing municipal obligations by developing property owned by certain public entities.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to fulfill their affordable housing requirements by partnering with public entities to build homes on land they already own. Specifically, it enables local governments to enter agreements with school districts, public universities, transportation authorities, and housing agencies to develop affordable housing on their properties. The legislation clarifies that these partnerships are intended to help towns meet specific state-mandated housing goals without restricting other existing laws regarding property transactions. By utilizing existing public land, the measure aims to provide a direct mechanism for increasing affordable housing stock within communities.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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