NJ A4990

Prohibits landlords from performing hard credit inquiries on affordable housing applicants, including those with tenant-based housing subsidies or applying for income-restricted units under state or federal programs

Permits landlords to conduct only soft credit inquiries when evaluating affordable housing applicants, which do not impact credit scores or remain on consumer reports beyond 30 days

Establishes penalties for violations: up to $100 for first offense, additional $100 for second violation within one year, and additional $200 for each subsequent violation within one year

Requires consumer reporting agencies to treat multiple hard credit inquiries for rental housing applications on the same individual within a one-month period as a single inquiry

Directs the Division of Housing and Community Resources to publish information on its website about tenant rights and the impact of hard versus soft credit inquiries