Requires inclusion of information about discriminatory housing practices in Truth in Renting Guide.
Summary
Assembly Bill 4831 would require the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to update the Truth-in-Renting Guide so it specifically explains that landlords may not discriminate against prospective tenants who use housing vouchers or other lawful rental subsidies. The bill directs the department to include language stating that State or federally issued housing vouchers, including Section 8, are a form of “source of lawful income” protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
The bill also requires the guide to state that it is unlawful both to refuse to rent to someone because they would pay with a housing voucher or other lawful rental subsidy and to advertise that a landlord will not rent to voucher holders. The guide must continue to be issued annually, in English and Spanish, and posted on the department’s website, with the new information added as part of the existing tenant-landlord rights summary.
Impact
The bill would amend the Truth-in-Renting Act, P.L.1975, c.310 (C.46:8-45), by expanding the required contents of the Department of Community Affairs’ informational guide. It does not create a new substantive anti-discrimination law, but it reinforces and publicizes existing protections under the Law Against Discrimination, especially the rule that source of lawful income includes housing vouchers and rental subsidies. The practical effect would be to increase notice to landlords, tenants, and the public and potentially improve compliance with existing fair housing requirements.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be presented as a straightforward consumer- and tenant-protection update with an informational purpose. The sponsor’s framing suggests support for clearer public education about fair housing rules and voucher discrimination. No contrary positions are documented in the provided materials, so the overall sentiment in the available record is neutral to favorable.
Contention
The main substantive issue implicated by the bill is housing voucher discrimination, particularly whether landlords may lawfully refuse applicants who intend to pay with Section 8 or other rental assistance. The bill takes the position that such refusals, and advertisements excluding voucher holders, are unlawful under existing law. Any potential contention would likely come from landlords or property owners concerned about added regulatory clarity, compliance burdens, or limits on tenant selection, while tenant advocates and fair housing proponents would likely support the measure as a needed clarification of protected status.