TRENTON – Continuing its focus on housing affordability, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), advanced a legislative package aimed at making rent more affordable for New Jersey residents, strengthening tenant protections, and providing targeted tax relief to renters.

Senate President Nick Scutari said the Committee’s action reflects the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing rising housing costs, particularly for renters who are increasingly burdened by escalating monthly payments.

“New Jersey families are spending an unsustainable share of their income on rent,” said Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union/Somerset). “These bills take meaningful steps to protect vulnerable tenants, crack down on unfair practices, and deliver direct tax relief to renters who are struggling to keep up. Making rent more affordable must be a central part of our broader housing strategy.”

Chairman Singleton emphasized that while homeownership remains a goal for many, rent affordability is an urgent and immediate concern for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents.

“Too many renters are paying well beyond what they can reasonably afford just to keep a roof over their heads,” said Senator Singleton. “This package focuses squarely on fairness in the rental market, stronger protections for seniors and residents with disabilities, and tax relief for households whose rent consumes a disproportionate share of their income. If we are serious about affordability, we must address the rent crisis head-on.”

The measures heard by the Committee today included:

RENTER TAX RELIEF:

S-1759, sponsored by Senators Singleton and Scutari, increases the amount of rental payments defined as rent constituting property taxes for purposes of the gross income tax deduction and increases the property tax credit option for specific individuals.

S-1821, sponsored by Senator Singleton, provides a gross income tax credit for renters whose rent exceeds 35 percent of their gross income.

STRENGTHENING TENANT PROTECTIONS:

S-219, sponsored by Senator Turner, establishes guidelines for creditworthiness determinations for affordable housing programs to ensure consistent, fair standards for applicants.

S-413, sponsored by Senators Stack and Mukherji, extends the protected tenancy period for senior citizens and some tenants with disabilities.

FAIRNESS AND OVERSIGHT IN THE RENTAL MARKET:

S-451, sponsored by Senators Stack and Ruiz, makes the use of algorithmic systems to influence the price and supply of residential rental units unlawful.

S-3096, sponsored by Senators Wimberly and McKnight, which would establish a Rent Control Enforcement Unit within the Department of Community Affairs and authorize residential tenants to petition for review of alleged violations of local rent restrictions. The bill was heard for discussion only.

“Renters deserve transparency, fairness, and meaningful relief,” Singleton said. “By improving tax credits, extending protections for seniors and residents with disabilities, addressing the use of rent-setting algorithms, and exploring stronger enforcement tools, we are building a comprehensive approach to rent affordability.”

Singleton noted that future committee meetings will continue to focus on expanding housing inventory, modernizing zoning policies, and advancing broader affordability initiatives to ensure that New Jersey remains a place where working families, seniors, and young professionals can afford to live and thrive.

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