Quijano, Chaparro Tenant Protection Legislation Advanced by Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on Monday advanced two bills sponsored by Assemblywomen Annette Quijano and Annette Chaparro aimed at protecting tenants in New Jersey.

“Too many tenants face renters rights issues such as discrimination, credit fraud, and being misinformed of their duties and payments,” said Quijano (D-Union). “The goal of these bills is to increase protections for renters by ensuring they will receive more information about their rights and responsibilities, as well as to eliminate criteria that is often an unnecessary and discriminatory obstacle for too many New Jersey residents simply trying to secure housing.”

“These pieces of legislation will help tenants to fully understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as strengthen what can sometimes be a strained relationship between a tenant and a landlord,” said Chaparro (D-Hudson). “In addition, these bills will be helpful in making sure the renting process is both affordable and stress free.”

The bills:

• A-1749 (Quijano/Chaparro) – Prohibits landlords from requiring residential tenants pay rent and other related charges through electronic funds transfer, including automatic debit payments.

• A-1757 (Quijano) – Requires inclusion of information about discriminatory housing practices in Truth in Renting Guide.