Loading chat...
NJ S4685
Bill
Status
6/30/2025
Primary Sponsor
Raj Mukherji
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Residential landlords must accept rent payments made by cash, certified check, money order, personal check, or through federal, state, local rental assistance programs and charitable organizations, in addition to any electronic payment methods they already offer
-
Landlords cannot refuse these payment methods if rent is submitted on time or before a warrant for removal is posted or lockout is executed
-
Penalties for violations increase to $2,000 per offense, enforceable by the Commissioner of Community Affairs or Attorney General through summary proceedings in Superior Court
-
Tenants may also bring a separate civil action to recover $2,000 per violation plus attorney's fees, court costs, and expert witness expenses
-
If a personal check is returned for insufficient funds, the tenant must pay associated fees, and the landlord may then prohibit that tenant from making future payments by personal check
Legislative Description
Requires residential landlord to accept rent payment by certain means; increases penalty for violating certain rent acceptance requirements.
Community and Urban Affairs
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
6/30/2025