Housing in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4379: Extends from October 31 to December 31 deadline to file combined application for ANCHOR, homestead property tax reimbursement, and Stay NJ property tax benefits.

This bill extends the annual deadline for New Jersey residents to apply for three property tax relief programs from October 31 to December 31. The programs affected are ANCHOR, the homestead property tax reimbursement, and Stay NJ, which help homeowners and renters manage property tax costs. The change applies to the single combined application form that residents must submit to the Division of Taxation each year. By moving the filing date, the legislation provides taxpayers with additional time to complete and submit their requests for financial assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4235: Permits mortgage forbearance of 180 days for borrowers whose primary residence is in State-declared disaster area.

This bill allows homeowners in New Jersey whose primary residences are located in Governor-declared disaster areas to pause their mortgage payments for up to 180 days. To qualify, a borrower must request this forbearance from their lender, who is required to approve the request within 15 business days. During the pause period, lenders cannot charge penalties, fees, or interest, and borrowers have the option to extend the pause for another 180 days. After the forbearance ends, the missed payments must be repaid through loan extension, loan modification, or a deferred payment due at the end of the loan term.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mortgages

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4177: Requires certain record keeping related to municipal rent control compliance; appropriates $2 million.

This bill requires landlords in New Jersey municipalities with rent control ordinances to file detailed compliance forms with local clerks and mandates that these records be made publicly available online. It establishes a new digital system managed by the Department of Community Affairs to store and search these records, while also providing grants to help towns digitize existing paperwork. To enforce these rules, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that rent control applies if records are missing and imposes a $150 penalty for knowingly submitting false information. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $2 million to fund the creation of this online system and to assist municipalities with record digitization.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4326: Prohibits insurers from using credit history when evaluating homeowners insurance policies.

This bill prohibits insurance companies in New Jersey from using a homeowner's credit history to set premiums, deny coverage, or determine policy terms. Specifically, it bars insurers from raising rates, canceling policies, or offering different discounts based on an applicant's credit score or payment plans. The law applies to all homeowners and prospective policyholders, ensuring that financial creditworthiness cannot influence their insurance costs. If passed, the measure would take effect 90 days after enactment, removing credit-based insurance scores from the evaluation process for home insurance.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homeownership

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5126: Requires multiple dwelling building owners to provide notice to tenants and tenant associations of certain sales and provides tenant association with opportunity to purchase multiple dwelling.

This bill requires owners of multiple dwelling buildings in New Jersey to notify tenants and tenant associations before certain sales, such as those involving mortgages or short sales. It grants tenant associations the right to purchase the building if at least 51% of the occupied units are represented by the association. If a tenant association decides to buy the property, they can use a designated nonprofit, housing authority, or a joint venture to secure the financing and ensure the building remains affordable. The law defines specific terms like "multiple dwelling" and "inclusionary development" to clarify which properties and housing outcomes are covered.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Development Tenant Rights

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