Governor Signs the ‘SERVE Act’ into Law

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan and former Senator Jeff Van Drew, which will require landlords to count federal military or veteran housing allowances as income when determining whether a prospective tenant meets minimum income qualifications for rent, was signed into law by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. The bill is also known as the “Securing Electronic Records for Veterans Ease” (SERVE) Act.

“The SERVE Act will be incredibly beneficial for individuals who do not have an income. This will help our brave men and women secure burden-free housing as they seek higher education through the GI bill,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “This common sense solution reduces a hardship for our veterans and service members by ensuring a comfortable home in which they and their families can live while those who have honorably served our country pursue their education.”

Under the new law, a military service member or veteran will have to present documentation issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to a landlord or their agent stating they are receiving a federal military or veteran housing allowance.