30 NJ landlords cited for breaking new law that bans discrimination against tenants with criminal pasts

New Jersey’s acting Attorney General Matt Platkin has warned 30 landlords they’re in violation of a new housing law that essentially ended the automatic denials of housing applicants with criminal pasts. 

The Fair Chance in Housing Act took effect January 1st and was hailed by supporters as a landmark measure to help formerly incarcerated people find safe places to live. Under the law, landlords can’t prohibit people with criminal backgrounds from applying for housing or ask about prior convictions until after they’ve conditionally offered them the unit. 

But even after a landlord runs a criminal background check on a potential tenant or asks them about their criminal past, they can only deny them housing if the criminal conviction occurred within a certain timeframe or the person was convicted of murder or kidnapping. Landlords also need to put their denial in writing, along with an explanation on how the tenant poses a safety risk to others. Tenants then have a chance to appeal the decision. 

More serious offenses like carjacking can be used as a basis for denial if they happened within a six-year period. Less serious offenses such as assaults can be considered if they occurred within the last year, according to the law.

Platkin said the measure, which is the first of its kind in the country “reflects our state’s deep and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every New Jersey resident has a fair chance to find safe, affordable housing.”