New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination prohibits Newark landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's lawful source of income — including Section 8 vouchers, SSI, veterans benefits, and child support.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJ §10:5-12), as amended, makes it unlawful for Newark landlords to refuse to rent, set different terms, or advertise discriminatorily based on lawful source of income. This includes Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits, alimony, child support, and rental assistance grants. 'No Section 8' or 'No Vouchers' advertising is unlawful. Enforcement is through the NJ Division on Civil Rights, which can award damages, civil penalties, and attorney fees. The law strengthens federal Fair Housing Act protections and is particularly important in Newark, where a substantial share of renters use vouchers.
Refusing vouchers, advertising 'no Section 8,' or applying different screening to voucher holders exposes Newark landlords to NJDCR enforcement, damages, and civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
Newark, NJ
Newark's 2018 Right to Counsel ordinance — the fourth in the US after NYC, San Francisco, and Cleveland — funds free legal representation for low-income tena...
Newark, NJ
The Newark Housing Authority administers Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers across Newark; landlords must accept qualified vouchers under NJ source-of-incom...
See how Newark's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.