NJ's Law Against Discrimination, expanded in 2002, prohibits Jersey City landlords from refusing tenants based on lawful source of income including Section 8 housing choice vouchers, Social Security, and disability benefits.
Refusing to rent, charging higher security deposits, or imposing extra screening on voucher holders violates the NJ Law Against Discrimination (NJ LAD). Jersey City Civil Rights Ordinance Chapter 254 mirrors and expands these protections. Landlords must accept vouchers if the tenant otherwise qualifies under standard income, credit, and reference checks applied uniformly to all applicants. Advertising that excludes vouchers (no Section 8 listings) is itself a violation. The NJ Division on Civil Rights enforces, with awards including back rent, emotional distress damages, civil penalties up to 50,000 dollars, and mandatory training requirements for repeat offenders.
Refusing voucher holders, advertising no-Section-8, or applying stricter screening based on income source exposes landlords to NJ DCR penalties up to 50,000 dollars plus tenant damages.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single- and two-family properties with private yar...
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 345 sign provisions exempt sea...
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City has no ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights. Code Ch. 345 sign provisions exempt seasonal decorations f...
Jersey City, NJ
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Jersey City require permits for gas lines, electrical, plumbing, and any roofed structure under the New Jersey Uniform Construct...
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance aut...
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City enforces the NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), which adopts IFC Section 308. NJFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices on combustible...
See how Jersey City's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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