The following legislation, which was discussed at the MREIA Meeting on Monday evening has been signed by Governor Murphy.

Please take the time to review and familiarize yourself with the new law, which has a big impact on property owners/housing providers.

Three comments I would like to make:

Once again, the government has overstepped their bounds
“people generally get the government they deserve”, ( as per Ben Franklin / Alexis de Tocqueville ) particularly when they do not take the time to learn what policies their “public servants” (i.e. politicians) advocate.
This is a reminder to take the time to learn the positions of politicians on issues that are important to you, your career and future.
Governor Murphy Signs the “Fair Chance in Housing Act”

Legislation will make it illegal for landlords to ask about criminal history on rental applications

Governor Murphy signed the Fair Chance in Housing legislation Act (S250/A1919) which bars housing providers from asking about criminal history on housing applications in most instances. The legislation aims to eliminate this barrier for those with criminal records.

The legislation will prohibit property owners from asking about a prospective tenant's criminal history unless they've met certain parameters, such as a sex offender or convicted for making meth in federally-assisted housing.

Only after a landlord makes a conditional offer to a tenant will the landlord can they run a criminal background check. A landlord would also be required to disclose, prior to accepting any application fee, whether the application will include a review into criminal history, and the tenant’s right to dispute inaccuracies or to provide evidence of rehabilitation.

The Fair Chance at Housing Act will not apply in instances where federal law allows landlords to ask about certain criminal convictions. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.


S250/A919 can be viewed at the following link: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A2000/1919_R4.PDF

To read the Governor’s press release, please click the following link. https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20210618c.shtm